Arkansas Delegation Announces Funding for Local Law Enforcement

Press Release

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman, along with Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), and Mike Ross (AR-4) today announced that six local law enforcement agencies in Arkansas will receive a combined $575,031 from the U.S. Department of Justice to purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies. The funds are allocated through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.

"Local law enforcement is our first line of defense against violence, drugs, and crime," Pryor said. "These funds will provide our local law enforcement with the tools they need to fight crime and keep our communities safe."

"While we must work to rein in spending, we need to continue to provide resources necessary for our men and women who put their lives on the line to ensure safety in our communities. That is exactly what these grants do. These funds will provide law enforcement with the tools and training necessary to perform their jobs," Boozman said.

"Local law enforcement officers are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe 365 days a year. This grant from the Department of Justice will give officers the tools they need to combat crime and keep Arkansas safe," Crawford said.

"In emergency situations, Arkansans depend on the law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities. This funding will help ensure these brave men and women are better equipped to do their jobs safely and effectively," said Griffin.

"Our communities depend on local law enforcement having the technology and resources they need to keep our families safe," said Ross. "These funds will help provide the latest technology to assure the safety of our brave men and women in uniform and to assist prosecutors in capturing and convicting criminals. We should continually work to make certain our first responders have the necessary tools they need to quickly answer the needs of their citizens."

The following counties will receive funding:

* Craighead: $27,440

* Crittenden: $72,925

* Independence: $19,289

* Jefferson: $69,285

* Miller: $33,600

* Pulaski: $352,492

The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program was created in 2004 to give federal state, and local governments the tools to prevent and combat crime and keep their communities safe. Since its inception, JAG has provided grants to local justice programs for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, support, and information sharing.