SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $25,000 TO CONTROL AND PREVENT STATE AND LOCAL CRIME IN WESTERN NEW YORK
Federal Money Will Support Crime Prevention Initiatives by Funding Personnel, Training, Supplies, Technical Assistance and Improved Information Systems in the City and County of Niagara Falls
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the Bureau of Justice Assistance has awarded $25,252 under the FY 08 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to the City of Niagara Falls. These funds will be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for programs throughout the city. These programs include law enforcement programs, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections program, drug treatment programs, and crime victim and witness programs
"This is great news for Niagara Falls," said Schumer. "Keeping residents safe is a top priority and providing cities with the resources to prevent and control crime is the first step toward achieving that goal. I will continue to fight for federal funds to help support programs that promote community safety and education."
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. As disparate jurisdictions, the City and County of Niagara will utilize the funds to support separate initiatives. The city, through the police department, will apply its share toward the salary of a police liaison who will work with neighborhood associations to promote community policing concepts and initiatives, in addition to coordinating partnerships with city departments to resolve quality of life issues.
The county, through the District Attorney's Office, will purchase a custom audio/video recording system for use in interviewing children who are victims of physical or sexual assault. This system is viewed as a highly effective tool in prosecuting child abuse and assault cases, and securing maximum sentences.
As the designated fiscal agent between the disparate jurisdictions, the City of Niagara Falls will be responsible for the general management and oversight of this award.
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