The Department of Justice's Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and Bureau of Justice Assistance have allocated over $7.25 million to law enforcement agencies in north Alabama. The funding aims to enhance community-policing initiatives and improve technology.
"Local law enforcement agencies and officers are the day-to-day superheroes in our communities who keep us safe," said United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. "I am grateful to the Department of Justice’s COPS Office and the Bureau of Justice Assistance for this much-needed support in keeping our families and communities safe."
The grants were distributed through several Department of Justice programs, each targeting specific needs:
Under the COPS Office Community Policing Development Program, the National Association of School Resource Officers received $200,000 for training school resource officers. The City of Jacksonville was granted $125,000 to hire an additional officer, while Pell City received $219,850 for two more officers.
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act Implementation Program awarded Hartselle $25,000 and Winston County Board of Education $499,598.
Other notable allocations include $110,000 to the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office for technological improvements and a vehicle purchase. Fort Payne was awarded $670,000 to upgrade communications systems, while Jackson County Commission secured $250,000 for patrol vehicles.
Jacksonville State University received $656,000 to boost campus security. Limestone County Commission was granted $425,000 for courthouse surveillance upgrades. Madison County Commission got $195,000 for jail security enhancements.
Additionally, Moody received $245,000 for emergency communication improvements; Oxford was awarded $185,000 for crime-fighting resources linked to the East Alabama Metro Area Crime Center; Pell City obtained another grant worth $612,000; Pickens County Emergency 911 Board received a substantial amount of $1.8 million; St. Clair County was granted $1.2 million for a mobile command center.
In technology-focused grants under the Bureau of Justice Assistance Body Worn Camera Program: Blount County Commission was given nearly $30,000 while Montevallo received approximately $4,385.
For further details on FY 2024 COPS awards or Bureau of Justice Assistance grants visit their respective websites.