Congressman Cohen Announces $6.1 Million to Fight Crime
“Fighting crime and strengthening our police force is one of my highest priorities as the Representative for Tennessee’s 9th District,” said Congressman Cohen. “These funds from the recovery act will help keep more police officers on the street and assist local law enforcement officials develop programs to keep our streets safer and promote positive youth development.”
Congressman Cohen added, “I will continue to fight for more funding for the 9th District to end violent crime in our community. These recovery act funds will give our local law enforcement officials the tools they need and the funding they deserve to more effectively prevent crime and prosecute the worst criminals in the 9th District”
The funds are part of $2 billion in JAG grants released on Friday by the Obama Administration as part of the ARRA. In a statement, President Obama said, “These funds are a vital component in our effort to not just revive our economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security. By keeping police officers on the streets whose jobs were threatened by budget cuts and ensuring states and municipalities have the tools and equipment necessary to fight crime, this money will simultaneously help jumpstart the American economy and protect our citizens.”
The White House released a chart that recommends how funds should be dispersed throughout Shelby County, and of the $6.1 million, they recommended that the City of Memphis receive $5.7 million. The following is a breakdown of how the Department of Justice recommends that the funds be dispersed throughout Shelby County:
- Bartlett: $48,095
- Collierville: $26,916
- Germantown: 15,443
- Memphis: $5,773,903
- Millington: $37,799
- Shelby County: $219,884
Grants were awarded in proportion to population and violent crime statistics. The JAG Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. Those activities include:
- Law enforcement programs.
- Prosecution and court programs.
- Prevention and education programs.
- Corrections and community corrections programs.
- Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
- Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
- Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
Prioritization for the disbursement of funds from the grant will be driven by Operation Safe Community, a crime abatement initiative developed by the University of Memphis and top government and law enforcement leaders from across Shelby County in partnership with private sector and community leaders. Operation Safe Community has proven very effective in reducing crime in the community since its inception and targets resources to achieve the greatest impact based on sound research and data analysis.
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Contact:
Marilyn Dillihay, Press Secretary, 202-225-3265
Charlie Gerber, Communications Assistant, 202-225-3265