-$1.1 Billion for State and Local Law Enforcement-
Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) voted last week to extend through 2012 increased funding for crime fighting grants that help local Hudson Valley law enforcement. The Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (Byrne Grants) Program provides grants to support state and local law enforcement agencies. Hall is a strong supporter of this bill and a cosponsor of the House version of the legislation.
Congress approved reauthorization of the Byrne Grants program at a level of $1.1 billion through 2012 in the legislation for Byrne Grants, a substantial increase over last year’s allocation. Last year the funding was cut by 70% due to President Bush's insistence. The authorization passed restores the program to previous funding levels.
"Byrne Grants are an essential source of aid for Hudson Valley police, sheriffs, and prosecutors," said Hall. "I will work to make sure the program gets fully funded at this higher level."
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants program is administered by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in memory of Officer Edward Byrne, a New York City Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1988. For almost twenty years, it has served as one of the few sources of federal funding for local sheriffs and police forces, and allows state and local law enforcement to apply for assistance to purchase needed equipment and fund special programs.
In recent years, Byrne grants have supported several key law enforcement projects in the Hudson Valley, including:
Dutchess County
- Recording equipment to aid in investigations and enhance prosecutions
- New equipment for the Town of East Fishkill's communication center
- Training equipment for the City of Poughkeepsie
- A Field Intelligence Officer in the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office
Orange County
- A Field Intelligence Officer in the Orange County Sheriff's Office
- Training equipment for the Police Chiefs of Orange County Training Academy
- Recording equipment to aid in investigations and enhance prosecutions
- Anti-recidivism programs
- A Field Intelligence Officer in the the Orange County Probation Department
Westchester County
- A multi-agency County Reentry Task Force
- Prosecution of narcotics offenders
- Investigative and prosecutorial work in the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and police departments
- Training equipment for the Westchester County Department of Public Safety Police Academy
- A Field Intelligence Officer in the Westchester County Department of Correction
The Senate approved the legislation on May 24. It is now headed to the White House for President Bush's signature.
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