The Houston City Council unanimously approved several public safety grant applications. They include funding for cold case investigations, law enforcement overtime and drone detection.
The Houston Police Department will apply for a $750,000 federal grant through the Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA Program. The money would support DNA testing and forensic genetic genealogy, according to a council agenda item. City officials said this is the city's fourth time applying for the grant and that it previously helped solve 16 cold cases.
The city is also applying with Harris County for nearly $3 million through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The funds would cover overtime, equipment, technology and training. If awarded, the police department and the sheriff's office would each receive about $1.48 million. The city recently said it had spent over $6 million on police overtime. A third application seeks funding to detect, track and mitigate unauthorized drones, especially during major events. The city said the grant periods would end in 2029 if the applications are approved.