$5.2 Million in Department of Justice Funding Awarded in West Virginia

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Department of Justice grants totaling more than $5.2 million have been awarded to law enforcement, higher education, and service agencies in West Virginia, United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld announced.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program (Byrne JAG) grants were announced, supporting various programs and initiatives in the Mountain State.

Those receiving awards are:

• Hancock County Sheriff’s Office - for equipment upgrades to ensure community safety;
• Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office -  for the purchase of new police cruisers;
• Marion County Sheriff’s Office - for its Smart Community Project, integrating many types of technology to upgrade cruisers, equipment, and investigative tools;
• West Virginia Wesleyan College - for the establishment of a Center for Ethical Professional Development in Criminal Justice;
• Fairmont State University - for increased and upgraded security on campus;
• West Virginia Potomac State College - for enhanced and updated security on campus;
• Justice and Community Services in Charleston - for rape crisis centers and nonprofit organizations statewide that address sexual assault and domestic violence.

Byrne JAG is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Funding allows criminal justice professionals and their allies to build the capacity to take on their most pressing challenges, keep their communities safe, and deliver equal justice to all Americans.

Byrne JAG funds support a range of program areas, from crime prevention activities and law enforcement technologies to drug treatment, and crisis intervention. Funds can also be used to help communities combat hate crimes and counter threats to election workers.