Crime Prevention Programs Awarded Grants

Department of Justice Grants Awards of $240 Million to Prevent Crime

Oct 1, 2008

Crime prevention grants amounting to $240 million have been awarded to support communities and law enforcement that are fighting crime, drug abuse, and gang activities.

Crime Prevention Month is observed in the United States each October. In support of the programs that work to prevent and reduce crime, grants has been awarded to state, local and tribal communities and law enforcement agencies.

On September 30, 2008, Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey announced the granting of awards that will be administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and the Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) within the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

These include the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative that will help local communities to organize safety-focused events such as enhancing public awareness of vital crime prevention and safety measures and other ongoing programs that help to keep neighborhoods safe from crime.

Crime Prevention Grants

Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program: The grant allows states, tribes and local governments to support criminal justice activities based on local needs and priorities. The funds may be used for training, personnel, and equipment and information systems. They may also be used for prosecution and court programs, drug treatment programs, correction programs and technology programs.

Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grants Program: The grant allows the DOJ to target resources where funds are needed the most to prevent crime and address local needs. Funding was awarded in five categories:

G.R.E.A.T: The grant is for a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classrooms curriculum. It provides grant assistance to prevent youth from becoming involved in crime, violence and gang activity. In addition, it is to create safe schools and communities by building positive relationships between law enforcement, families, and young people.

Drug Court Discretionary Program: This grant provides financial and technical assistance to state, local and tribal governments develop and enhance drug courts. It helps jurisdictions to integrate substance abuse treatment, mandatory drug testing, sanctions and incentives and transitional services in a court setting.

Weed and Seed: The grant brings together federal, state, and local crime-fighting agencies, prosecutors, social service providers, the public and private sectors and neighborhood residence in a joint task force to reduce violent crime, gang activity and drug abuse. Funding will also be used to restore buildings, support youth activities and establish new economic opportunities.

Components of the Office of Justice Programs

In announcing the grants, Attorney General Mukasey said, "This funding will support a variety of efforts aimed at preventing and reducing violet crime, drug abuse, and gang activity. " At the same time, the Department of Justice also announced its new crime prevention initiative, Celebrate Safe Communities ((CSC). CSC will partner with the National Sheriff’s Association and the National Crime Prevention Council, to celebrate the events throughout the country during Crime Prevention Month October 2-4, 2008.

The copyright of the article Crime Prevention Programs Awarded Grants in Law, Crime & Justice is owned by Martha R. Gore. Permission to republish Crime Prevention Programs Awarded Grants in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.