The Congresswoman Successfully Supported Efforts to Increase Funding for the Grant Program that Made this Award Possible

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Spanberger today announced a federal award of $24,035 for crime prevention programs and law enforcement assistance in Spotsylvania County.

This grant funding is made possible through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, which helps local governments support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.

“This grant will help purchase specialized software that serves to reinforce the public’s trust and confidence in the sheriff’s office as it conducts internal investigations of complaints,” said Sheriff Roger Harris, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. “This important tool increases the effectiveness of the existing system, ensures that all complaints are handled in a consistent manner while providing accountability and equity in the process.”

“Local law enforcement is key to keeping our neighborhoods safe, and I am proud to announce this award for the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office. This grant will help the Sheriff’s Office get the additional resources it needs to continue ensuring the safety and security of our communities,” said Spanberger. “As a former federal law enforcement officer, I understand the hard work and sacrifice that goes into protecting our communities and I know how critical this funding can be to accomplishing that mission. This grant will help the men and women of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office achieve their goal of preventing crime throughout the county and holding those who do break the law accountable for their crimes.”

Last year, Spanberger voted to increase funding to the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant program by $190.5 million — a nearly 40 percent increase for this law enforcement-focused program from the previous fiscal year’s enacted funding level. This increased investment was signed into law.

BACKGROUND

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, these grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, including for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation); 8) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams; and 9) implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives, including but not limited to: mental health courts; drug courts; veterans courts; and extreme risk protection order programs.

Click here for more information about the Edward Byrne Memorial JAG program.

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