BELLINGHAM, WA. – Whatcom County law enforcement has received federal funds to form a bicycle response team and more.

The U.S. Department of Justice awarded the Bellingham Police Department $32,000 and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office $15,000 as part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

Bellingham Police requested the funds to buy bikes, helmets and shoes to rebuild its bicycle response team.

The bike team will not be part of regular downtown patrols, but will be used for crowd control at big events like Ski to Sea and Northwest Tune-Up.

Funds from the grant will also go towards citizen engagement software.

It will keep residents informed with automated updates and give them opportunities to provide feedback with satisfaction scores.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office will buy ballistic helmets, plates, and illumination devices to improve officer safety with their portion of the funds.