WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will award Pawtucket $79,538 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) to prevent and control crime.

Byrne JAG funds are designed to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and control crime based on their specific need and conditions. The federal funds can be used for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, and state and local initiatives and programs.

"These federal funds will help the police officers and citizens of Pawtucket combat crime and make neighborhoods safer," stated Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, which oversees federal investments in the criminal justice system. Reed has consistently advocated funding for the Byrne Grant program in light of the Administration's attempts to eliminate it.

The city of Pawtucket will use the funds to help support community policing programs, neighborhood watch groups, the Citizens Police Academy, and overtime costs associated with the police department's bike squad, narcotics unit, and community policing unit.