Governor DeWine Awards $8.2 Million to Support Local Initiatives to Prevent Violent Crime
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) ??Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that 13?local law enforcement agencies will receive a total of $8.2 million to help them prevent and investigate incidents of violent crime in their communities.
The grants represent the eighth round of the?Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program. To date, Governor DeWine has awarded $45.9 million to 132 Ohio law enforcement agencies as part of this program. A total of approximately $100 million will be awarded to local law enforcement agencies in total.
?By investing in our law enforcement agencies and our peace officers, we're also investing in the safety of our citizens,? said Governor DeWine. ?The goal of this grant program is to support the around-the-clock work of local law enforcement authorities so that they can enhance their efforts to keep citizens safe."
 Agencies receiving grants to implement violent crime reduction strategies as part of this latest round of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program include:
The Canton Police Department (Stark County) will receive $74,760 for technology to help identify emerging hot spots, gather intelligence, deploy resources, and support crime prevention efforts. Funding will also be used to provide training on problem-oriented policing strategies to help officers build community trust.
The Elyria Police Department (Lorain County) will receive $2,765,513.43?to hire twelve new officers to allow for more proactive policing initiatives to prevent violent crime. Funds will also be used to offer sign-on and retention bonuses, to hire a?recruiting specialist, and to purchase new equipment for their digital forensics unit and crime scene unit.?
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office will receive $191,862.72 to pay for retention bonuses for both deputies and dispatchers. Funds will also be used for new technology to enhance intelligence gathering efforts and to support Operation Clean Up, which focuses on targeted enforcement of violent crime.?
The Lakewood Police Department (Lake County) will receive $217,752.26?for new technology to help reduce criminal activity and violent crime. Funds will also be used to increase patrols and decrease gun violence at Madison Park, which has seen a recent spike in violent crime.
The Ottawa County Prosecutor?s Office will receive $254,123.07 to create the Ottawa County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Response Team.? Members of the new unit will meet with victims and provide in-person support to ensure access to necessary medical care, emergency housing, counseling services, etc.?
The Riverside Police Department (Montgomery County) will receive $80,250?for new technology to support work to prevent incidents of gun violence and identify those responsible for violent crimes.
In addition, the following entities will also each receive grants to pay for retention and/or hiring bonuses to help maintain current law enforcement staffing levels, recruit new officers, and continue ongoing public safety services to prevent and investigate violent crime.
- Fostoria Police Department (Seneca County): $124,311
- Hamersville Police Department (Brown County): $163,967.22
- Hamilton Police Department (Butler County): $967,319.76
- New Matamoras Police Department (Washington County): $4,200
- Pierce Township Police Department (Clermont County): $226,931.08
- Summit County Sheriff?s Office: $2,918,249.69
- Xavier University Police Department (Hamilton County): $174,390
?
Governor DeWine, in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, created the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program last year?to give local law enforcement additional tools to address violence, including increases in crime associated with law enforcement retirements and resignations.?
The program is funded through both the state operating budget and with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that?Governor DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly have dedicated to first responders to counter various pressing issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including violent crime. The grants announced today are all funded through ARPA.
The program is administered by the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services within the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
Other assistance for first responders developed by the DeWine-Husted Administration includes the creation of the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, Ohio School Safety Center, Ohio Office of Law Enforcement Recruitment,?Ohio Office of First Responder Wellness,?Ohio Prisoner Extradition Reimbursement Program,?Ohio Body-Worn Camera Grant Program,?Ohio Ballistics Testing Initiative, Ohio Crime Lab Efficiency Program,? Ohio First Responder Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience Program,?Ohio Court Backlog Reduction Program, and the new eWarrant database.?
-30-
|
