DOJ grants to fund Capital Region crime prevention

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Over $1.1 million in Department of Justice (DOJ) grants will be awarded to local governments and public safety non-profits to help provide services for victims of human trafficking and to prevent and control crime in the Capital Region. The grants, administered by the DOJ's Office of Justice Programs through the Office for Victims of Crime, the National Institute of Justice, and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, will allow recipients to support a broad range of activities to support victims and prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.

“Smart federal investments in community-based public safety programs are a key tool in our efforts to both keep our communities safe and promote the cause of justice,” Congressman Tonko said. “Whether through advocacy and services for victims, community violence prevention initiatives, mental health and addiction treatment, or better training for law enforcement, this significant funding will help us continue to make our Capital Region a better, safer place to live. I’m proud to celebrate today’s announcement, and I’ll continue my efforts to deliver key investments that make certain our region’s families can live in safety, seek justice, and get help when they need it most.”

Local awards include:

• $790,298 for the John F. Finn Institute for Public Safety to research the forces that influence racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in law enforcement recruitment, and to identify systemic steps to facilitate equal and enhanced access to recruitment opportunities
• $252,576 for YWCA of Schenectady to build capacity to provide comprehensive support and services to victims of human trafficking in Schenectady County
• $73,291 for the City of Albany to prevent and control crime through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program
• $48,780 for Schenectady County to prevent and control crime through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program
• $27,439 for the City of Troy to prevent and control crime through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program

The DOJ's Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, technical assistance, training, and other resources to improve the capacity of states and municipalities to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims, bring justice, and bolster the rule of law. The Capital Region grant awards were announced Thursday.