Congressman Cohen Announces $1.184 Million Department of Justice Grant for Shelby County and Memphis
Washington, DC -- Today Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the Department of Justice is awarding The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) in the amount of $1,184,287 to Memphis and Shelby County governments.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; and 6) planning evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
Shelby County is designated as the fiscal agent for the program. Through a joint advisory board, the City of Memphis and Shelby County have collaborated on a program that provides for the prevention and control of crime for their citizens. The City of Memphis will use its $592,143.50 of JAG grant to implement and fund the following: The City of Memphis Crime Stoppers Program, Mid-South Training Institute, overtime for City of Memphis police officers, tactical and video equipment, and training and education for City of Memphis police officers. Shelby County will use its $592,143.50 of FY07 JAG funds to fund several criminal justice programs including; Shelby County Clinical Services, an Assistant District Attorney position, the Shelby County Drug Court, the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, Shelby County Sheriff’s Mental Health Correctional Units, and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Anti-Trust Gang Team.
Congressman Cohen stated, “It gives me great pleasure to announce this Department of Justice award. Crime in District 9 is of great concern to all of us and my top legislative priority.”
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, Congressman Steve Cohen, 202-225-3265
Brian Alberts, Communications Assistant 202-225-3265