Members of Arkansas delegation announce funding for local law enforcement

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman today joined Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Steve Womack (AR-3), and Mike Ross (AR-4) to announce that three local law enforcement agencies in Arkansas will receive funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies.

“Local law enforcement put their lives on the line to keep their communities safe, and they deserve the best equipment and supplies available when on the job,” Pryor said. “These funds will give Arkansas law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs effectively and safely so they can better protect our families”

“Equipping our law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to protect our communities is essential,” Boozman said. “These grants are a great investment that allows us the ability to provide additional resources to keep Arkansans safe.”

“Local law enforcement officers are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe 365 days a year. This grant from the Department of Justice will give officers in West Helena the tools they need to combat crime and keep Arkansas safe,” Crawford said.

“Our communities depend on local law enforcement having the technology and resources they need to keep our families safe and our jails operating,” said Ross. “These funds will help provide the much needed equipment and supplies necessary to ensuring the safety of our brave men and women in uniform. We should continually work to make certain our first responders have the necessary tools they need to quickly answer the needs of their citizens.”

The following cities will receive funding:

• Fayetteville: The City of Fayetteville will receive $72,707 to purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies, as well as an advanced range training system.

• Hot Springs: The City of Hot Springs will receive $57,182 to purchase law enforcement equipment and supplies that will help improve criminal justice services in Garland County.

• West Helena: The City of West Helena will receive $11,885 to purchase tactical and emergency equipment. This equipment will help officers decrease violent crimes and prevent injuries in the field.

The Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program was created by the Department of Justice in 2004 to give federal state, and local governments the tools to prevent and combat crime and keep their communities safe. Since its inception, JAG has provided grants to local justice programs for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, support, and information sharing.