U.S. Department of Justice Awards Grants to Iowa Law Enforcement to Combat Crime

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA—Since mid-September several Iowa law enforcement agencies have been awarded an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant by the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP). OJP provides innovative leadership to federal, state, local, and tribal justice systems, by disseminating state-of-the-art knowledge and practices across America, and providing grants for the implementation of these crime fighting strategies.  The following Iowa agencies receiving grant funding:

• The Dubuque Police Department was awarded $61,230 to develop, implement, and promote a Body Worn Camera (BWC) program designed to record law enforcement interaction with members of the community.

• The Fort Dodge Police Department and the Webster County Sheriff’s Office were awarded $18,176 to purchase equipment and expand training in officer safety and effective crime scene processing.

• The Sioux City Police Department and the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office were awarded $19,910 and $19,911, respectively to support the Tri-State Drug Task Force, provide specialized training, and purchase updated equipment.

• The Cedar Rapids Police Department and the Linn County Sheriff’s Office were both awarded $23,190.50. The Police Department will use its grant money to purchase 28 BWCs.  The Sheriff’s Office will use its grant money to purchase five mobile computers/tablets, which will increase deputy efficiency, accuracy and reduce on-air communications between dispatch and staff.

United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, Kevin W. Techau, stated, “These grants will support the common federal, state and local goal of strengthening and improving law enforcement skills, capabilities, and procedures.”         

OJP works in partnership with the justice community to identify the most pressing crime-related challenges confronting the justice system and provides information, training, coordination, and innovative strategies and approaches for addressing these challenges. Learn more about the Office of Justice Programs at: http://ojp.gov/.

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