WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $570,326 in grants to support local law enforcement efforts and improve safety in communities throughout Virginia. The funding will be used to improve training, safety initiatives, drug treatment and enforcement programs, and purchase new equipment and supplies.

“As a former Governor, I recognize the importance of equipping local law enforcement with the tools and training they need to protect our communities,” said Sen. Warner. “While our local police forces are often challenged to do more with less, this funding will help provide law enforcement in the Commonwealth with resources to carry out innovative public safety measures while improving their policing practices through enhanced training and equipment.”

The following communities will receive funding under today’s announcement:

• City of Alexandria: $35,272
• Roanoke County: $15,426
• City of Hampton: $44,113
• City of Lynchburg: $43,797
• City of Hopewell: $12,449
• City of Suffolk: $35,137
• Chesterfield County: $55,163
• County of Fairfax: $127,737
• Arlington County: $44,203
• Prince William County: $94,359

 Additionally, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services in Richmond will receive $62,670 in funding under DOJ’s State Justice Statistics Program to enhance the state’s collection and analysis of crime data.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice.

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