February 17, 09

NEWS / Justice Department Receives $4 Billion in Grant Funding as a Result of the American Recovery and Rei

Funds for New Police Officers, Combating Violence Against Women and Fighting Internet Crimes Against Children Included in Act

WASHINGTON — Today President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1), which includes $4 billion in Department of Justice grant funding to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of new police officers, to combat violence against women, and to fight internet crimes against children, the Department of Justice announced.

“This funding is vital to keeping our communities strong,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “As governors, mayors, and local law enforcement professionals struggle with the current economic crisis, we can’t afford to decrease our commitment to fighting crime and keeping our communities safe. These grants will help ensure states and localities can make the concerted efforts necessary to protect our most vulnerable communities and populations.”

Specific Department of Justice investments in the Act include:

* $1 billion to fund local police officers through Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program. These grants will fund an estimated 5,500 local police officers through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program.

* $2 billion in the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to fund grants for state and local programs that combat crime. The Byrne JAG program is distributed by formula – 60 percent to the states and 40 percent to the local law enforcement efforts.

* Resources from the Office on Violence Against Women for programs that help our most vulnerable populations -- $225 million in Violence Against Women Act Grants. Also provides $100 million through OJP for grants to assist victims of crime, $225 million for tribal law enforcement assistance, and $50 million for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces.

* Provides an additional $390 million from OJP for local law enforcement assistance, including $225 million in competitive Byrne grants, $125 million targeted for rural areas, and $40 million for the Southern border (including $10 million for ATF’s Project Gunrunner).

The Act also includes funds for the administration of the Department’s Recovery Act grants and associated oversight and accountability.

Information regarding COPS can be found at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov. Press inquiries may be directed to Corey Ray, 202-616-1728.

Information about the Office of Justice Programs can be found at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov. Press inquiries may be directed to OJP’s Office of Communications at 202-307-0703.

Information about the Office on Violence Against Women can be found at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov. Press inquiries may be directed to Joan LaRocca at 202-307-6026.