U.S. ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES $1.3 MILLION GRANT TO DENVER POLICE TO FIGHT COVID-19 PANDEMIC

DENVER – U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn announced today that the City and County of Denver received $1.359 million in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19. The money will be used by the Denver Police Department for items such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitizing devices. 

The grant is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Trump. In addition, $14 million was allocated for local jurisdictions in Colorado.   

“Local governments and law enforcement are shouldering an immense amount of responsibility as they respond to coronavirus and work to prevent its spread,” said Dunn.  “These funds are here to help them deal with the added burden they’re facing.” 

Said Chief of Denver Police Paul M. Pazen: “The Denver Police Department is extremely grateful for this grant funding in support of community and officer safety amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.  These funds will be used to support the community through staffing and overtime where most needed and will benefit the wellbeing of officers -- and by extension, those whom they contact – through personal protective equipment, devices for sanitizing gear and patrol vehicles, and COVID-19 testing.”

Other jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications

“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering    reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”

The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.

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