American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, the state of Tennessee is projected to receive approximately $4.5 billion over the next two years to help speed economic recovery, create and save jobs, and provide services to people most in need during the current economic condition.  The Office of Criminal Justice Programs (OCJP) will provide assistance with  criminal justice system opportunities.

COPS Secure our Schools (SOS):

Approximately $16 million is available in FY2009 to provide funding to law enforcement agencies to assist with the development of school safety resources and provide improved security at schools and on school grounds. Specifically, this program will fund up to 50% of the total cost to implement one or more of the following options: placement and use of metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures; security assessments; security training of personnel and students; coordination with local law enforcement; and/or any other measure that may provide a significant improvement in security.

This program is open to all law enforcement agencies nationwide. The application process will be competitive, and as such it is recommended that interested law enforcement agencies use this time, early in the solicitation period, to contact and develop partnerships with area schools that need to enhance or improve school safety and security equipment and/or measures. As noted above, there is a 50% local cash match requirement under this grant program.

http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=2126

Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs

The Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs Program, administered by BJA, helps rural states and rural areas prevent and combat crime, especially drug-related crime, and provides for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address rural needs.

In addition, priority consideration will be given to local law enforcement agencies in rural areas where the unit of local government is not eligible to receive a direct allocation from the Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program OR received a direct allocation that was $50,000 or less.

Use of funds for overtime and hiring personnel is allowable to meet the specific categorical requirements outlined in this solicitation. Applicants must develop a plan for sustaining personnel hired with grant funds after the funding has ended. Applicants are strongly encouraged to avoid unsubstantiated requests for equipment purchases. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consider costs for training needs and reporting requirements associated with receipt of this funding when developing their budget.

Catagories:

• Combating Rural Crime
• Improving Rural Law Enforcement Investigations
• Enhancing Rural Detentions and Jail Operations
• Facilitating Rural Justice Information Sharing
• Training and Technical Assistance

Applications submitted must be for no less than $50,000. The project period for awards is up to 24 months. The project start date should be on or after August 1, 2009.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recovery/RecoveryRuralLE.pdf

 

Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program

The Byrne Competitive Program, administered by BJA, helps improve criminal justice systems, provides assistance to victims of crime (other than compensation), and provides programs and efforts such as training and technical assistance to strategically address the needs of state and local justice systems and communities. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate the use of evidence-based practices and/or data-driven strategies.

Categories:

• Comprehensive community –based data-driven approaches to preventing and reducing violent crime
• Providing for funding of neighborhood probation and parole officers
• Reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties
• Hiring of civilian staff in law enforcement agencies.
• Enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations.
• Improving resources and services for victims of crime
• Supporting problem-solving courts.
• National Training and Technical Assistance Partnerships.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recovery/RecoveryByrne.pdf

 

 

Contact US

1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Suite 101
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: (865) 946-3201
Toll Free: (866) 449-5342
Fax: (865) 946-3214
leic@tennessee.edu