WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will award the Rhode Island Justice Commission $1,460,026 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) to enhance statewide criminal justice system programs.

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.

"Since its inception, Byrne JAG Grants have channeled critical federal funds to statewide criminal justice programs. I will continue to advocate funding for the Byrne Grant Program to ensure that our neighborhoods are safer and more secure," stated Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, which oversees federal investments in the criminal justice system.

The Rhode Island Justice Commission will continue to use the funds to implement two statewide programs, the Public Defender Community Outreach/Minority Partnership Project and the Superior Court Adult Drug Court Expansion. JAG funding will also support RI Precious Metals and Pawns Database, In-Service Training for Law Enforcement, Hate Crimes Training for Law Enforcement, and Multi-jurisdictional task forces.