Community safety in Lehighton has been enhanced through a digital forensic imaging kit.

The Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association presented the new equipment to the Lehighton Police Department on Monday.

It was part of a grant of more than $500,000 secured by the Chiefs of Police Association through the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency.

Ken Zipovsky, grants management and technology coordinator, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, said this was part of the second wave of equipment.

Zipovsky said the camera system presented to the borough’s police department totals about $5,400.

Inside the kit is a Nikon Z7 II with a NIKKOR Z 24-by-200 mm lens, a remote control for the camera, tripod, Pelican air case and various filters.

“Lehighton definitely has a need,” Zipovsky said. “The whole purpose is to promote better service to the community.”

Lehighton Police Det. Matt Arner, who wrote up and applied for the grant, said the equipment is a welcome addition.

“It’s such a wonderful tool for us to use,” Arner said. “We have everything (we need) in one box.”

Arner added that the department is lucky to have received the digital forensic imaging kit.

“We’re very thrilled to have this awarded to us,” he said. “Our department plans to use this over the years.”

Lehighton Police Chief Joseph Sparich thanked Arner for getting the grant.

“It’s very much appreciated,” Sparich said. “We’re excited to have something like this, and looking forward to using this equipment.”