WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Justice Department is allocating more than $4.4 billion in grants to state, local, and Tribal agencies for public safety and community justice initiatives. The funding aims to curb violence, support victims, and implement evidence-based strategies in both criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said the investment would aid law enforcement and community partners in making communities safer. Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco stressed the federal backing would augment local efforts to combat violent crime and drug abuse. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta highlighted the grants would support community-based approaches for violence prevention and other justice-related activities.
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is responsible for more than 3,700 grants this fiscal year. The funding will expand partnerships between criminal justice professionals and behavioral health experts, facilitate reentry of individuals into communities, support victims in underserved areas, and aid in the management of offenders.
The grants align with five major priorities:
- Over $1 billion will promote safety and trust between communities and the justice system. This includes strategies for preventing and reducing violent crime and addressing the surge in hate crimes.
- More than $437 million will support justice system reforms to ensure fair treatment for all, including marginalized communities.
- Over $192 million will go to juvenile justice system improvements, focusing on developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive interventions for youth.
- Over $1.7 billion will enhance victim services by providing trauma-informed and culturally responsive care.
- Over $418 million will fund research and data collection to inform public safety policies.
U.S. Attorney Evans announced that the Eastern District of Louisiana would receive $12,165,685 to support community safety. A variety of organizations and government bodies, from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office to Tulane University, have been earmarked for these funds.