Schumer Announces Over $492,000 For Erie County Crime Control And Prevention Programs

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that $492,547 has been awarded to several cities in Erie County by the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program.   The federal funds will be used by the City of Buffalo, Town of Cheektowaga, City of Lackawanna and Erie County to improve a variety of crime control and prevention programs.

"When it comes to protecting our citizens, we need to be tough on crime and smart on prevention," Schumer said. "These much needed funds will help to bring the quality people and firstrate technology that allow Erie County families to live safely and comfortably."

Buffalo will receive $446,676 to use for efforts to combat violent crime and quality of life issues that include youth curfew and truancy, case management services for the city's drug court, and community engagement programs that focus on gang and drug eradication. The Town of Cheektowaga will use $21,710 for personnel costs of police offices for the patrol of specific areas and events throughout the year. It is anticipated that the targeted patrols will deter criminal activity and provide safe, secure areas for the community. The City of Lackawanna will use their $10,951 to purchase four tasers with the necessary accessories and will fund taser instructors to properly train Lackawanna Police Department offices in the correct use of a taser. The final $13,210 will be used by Erie County toward salary costs incurred by the District Attorney's Office for the prosecution of violent, serial, and gangrelated crimes committed by teens, and technical assistance needed for the operation of the Central Police Services' computer aideddispatch and records management system.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) 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.   Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; and 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.