TOPEKA, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department has been awarded a grant to purchase new equipment for patrol cars, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced today.

The department will receive $5,682 to purchase tire deflation devices for all of its patrol cars to improve the safety of citizens as well as officers.

“Providing the best public safety services requires dedicated local officials and access to modern technology,” Schmidt said. “This grant will help advance local priorities for improving public safety.”

The grant is part of the Federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program and was awarded by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Schmidt serves as the chair of the council.