McAuliffe announces award of Policing in the 21st Century grants

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the award of 36 community policing grants in support of his Policing in the 21^st Century Initiative.

The grants were approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board at a meeting today in Richmond. The grants will support training and equipment to enhance the recipient agencies’ community inclusive policing efforts.  Money for the grants will come from federal funds awarded to the Commonwealth from the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

“Since the beginning of my administration, my team and I have worked closely with local and state law enforcement agencies to develop strategies that build and strengthen their relationships within the communities they serve,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Strong police-community relationships are essential to protecting the safety of families and businesses in every community in our Commonwealth. I commend the agencies that are receiving this award for their outstanding leadership on these important issues. We will continue to ensure policing in the 21^st century is built on communal integrity across all corners of the Commonwealth.”

The focus of the funding offered for these grants was a response to the input the Administration received in four Law Enforcement and Community listening sessions in August and September. Convened by Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Brian Moran, the sessions drew more than 300 people representing law enforcement and community groups. They offered a variety of ideas that communities could initiate with grant funding to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and their communities.

“These grant funds are a direct result of the constructive feedback and dialogue we heard from listening sessions we held across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Brian Moran. “My team and I look forward to working with all of the grant recipients as we pursue effective community policing efforts. These grants are a positive step forward as we continue to build bridges between law enforcement and the public.”

Director Fran Ecker of the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which administers the grants, added, “The funds awarded by the Board will enable the recipients to expand on existing community policing efforts and add new ones as well. We applaud the recipients for their commitment to community policing.”

The grants will support a variety of efforts, including: one-on-one and small group mentoring for youths and their families; training for law enforcement officers in de-escalation and crisis communication strategies; equipment for a police department athletic program  intended for at-risk youth; a community collaboration effort to reduce crime, involving law enforcement, the public schools, social services, the Commonwealth’s Attorney and nonprofit agencies; and a public school-based youth outreach program to promote positive relationships with law enforcement.

The grants approved by the Board total over $756,000. Applicants were required to submit proposals describing their projects and providing budgets showing how the funds will be spent. The applications were reviewed by DCJS staff and by a committee of the Board.

Details on the localities awarded grants are below: