Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.8 Million in Federal Grants for Highway Safety, Crime Prevention, and Education Initiatives
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $7.8 Million in Federal Grants for Highway Safety, Crime Prevention, and Education Initiatives
Boston – On November 30, Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and Public Safety and Security Secretary Thomas Turco announced that more than 160 law enforcement agencies will receive $7.8 million in federal grant funding made possible through the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These grants will provide access to equipment and strengthen training, crime prevention, and enforcement initiatives across the Commonwealth.
“Our administration remains committed to maximizing federal resources to support the Commonwealth’s cities and towns,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants will provide technology and equipment that enables the dedicated women and men in law enforcement to engage their communities in meaningful ways..”
The JAG program is the leading source of criminal justice funding awarded by the Department of Justice to state and local jurisdictions. Local police departments, sheriffs, and the Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC) received a combined $4.6 million in funding for several needs, including protective equipment and communications infrastructure.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided $3.2 million to fund traffic enforcement campaigns, safety equipment, and non-enforcement activities by local police. All the initiatives contribute to reducing vehicle crashes and the resulting injuries and loss of life.
“In big cities and small towns alike, these federal resources will bolster so much of what we do to help make our communities safer,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “These resources will also empower law enforcement to engage residents and respond effectively on behalf of victims and survivors.”
The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) within the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security serves as the State Administering Agency for federal funding from several sources, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“As a strategic priority, public safety professionals think regularly about how equipment and public awareness campaigns can strengthen their approach to evolving threats,” said Secretary Turco. “I commend our staff at OGR for their steady leadership in the midst of the pandemic to identify and fund initiatives that create opportunities for law enforcement to develop their capabilities.”
“OGR embraces its responsibility to distribute federal funds in a way that makes a difference in the 351 communities of the Commonwealth,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “The level of care and thoughtfulness with which law enforcement approaches our grant process will undoubtedly carry over as they implement their initiatives in our communities.”