(KNZA)--The Hiawatha Police Department has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Walmart Spark Good Local Grants program to bolster its efforts against online crime.

According to the department, the funding will be used to purchase advanced digital forensic software for its Community Digital Safety Initiative. The technology is designed to help officers investigate and fight crimes such as child exploitation, identity theft, and cyber fraud—offenses that increasingly impact families and businesses across northeast Kansas.

“Thanks to this grant, our officers will be able to recover digital evidence more quickly, resolve cases faster, and provide stronger protection for vulnerable members of our community,” the department stated.

Officials also extended their gratitude to the Hiawatha Walmart for supporting the initiative and helping enhance public safety through modern technology.