INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (ADAMS) – The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute has awarded $3.3 million to 50 law enforcement and government agencies for public safety and crime prevention initiatives. The funding was provided by the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance.
“Byrne JAG plays an important role in equipping communities with the tools and resources they need to address crime and keep people safe,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “This funding is a catalyst for improving how our justice system operates and responds to issues like violent crime.”
The JAG program is a leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. While funds can be used to support a broad range of activities, the program places emphasis on breaking the cycle of substance use and crime, combating violence, holding offenders accountable, reinforcing law enforcement efforts, supporting adjudication and enhancing technology and information sharing.
Grant funds will be distributed this month and used to pay for things like local crime prevention initiatives, supplies and equipment and the training and hiring of personnel.
“Public safety challenges evolve over time, as do their impacts on society, which is why flexibility is an important part of this program,” said Andrew Rodeghero, ICJI Drug and Crime Control Division Director. “With this funding, we’re able to support an array of violence prevention and intervention strategies based on state and local needs.”
Agencies have until December 31, 2022, to spend the funds, which were recently approved by the ICJI Board of Trustees. For some of the subrecipients, a local match is required depending on the number of years of participation in the program.
Click here for a list of the JAG award recipients.