MISSISSIPPI GETS $3.0 MILLION TO COORDINATE ANTI-CRIME WORK

Cochran Says DOJ Byrne Grant Will Support State-Local Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – Greater coordination among state and local law enforcement agencies in combating violent and drug-related crime in Mississippi is the goal of a $3.0 million federal grant being awarded to the state, according to U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.).

The Mississippi Division of Public Safety Planning is receiving the grant through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program.  The Byrne grants are intended to help state and local governments support broad crime prevention and control.

“The Byrne grant program is a useful tool to improve public safety by coordinating law enforcement efforts on multiple levels.  This grant will support a more comprehensive approach to strengthening state and local efforts to stop violent crime and drug-related criminal activities,” Cochran said.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is expected to utilize the DOJ grant to increase coordination between state and local agencies in their efforts to eliminate drug trafficking and prosecute drug violators.

Grant funds for Mississippi may be directed toward anti-drug educational programs for school-aged children, multi-jurisdictional drug task force programs, urban enforcement programs, programs for child victims of crime, family violence issues with a concentration on child abuse and neglect, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, or highway interdiction programs. 

Cochran is the highest ranking Republican on the Senate Appropriations Committee and has a role in determining federal funding for DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance grant programs.

The Senate committee in June approved the FY2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, which includes more than $3.1 billion to support DOJ state and local law enforcement programs.  This legislation is pending consideration by the full Senate.