F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison Encourages Albuquerque and Las Cruces to Apply for Model City Initiative Public Safety Funding

ALBUQUERQUE - F.A. United States Attorney Ryan Ellison is encouraging local leaders in Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pursue funding through the Department of Justice's Model City Initiative, a new public safety grant program that will provide up to $300 million to support crime reduction and community safety efforts in a select number of cities nationwide.

Under the initiative, the Department of Justice will award approximately $300 million in public safety funding to two to four cities with populations of more than 100,000. Depending on the number of jurisdictions selected, participating cities could receive between $75 million and $150 million to strengthen public safety infrastructure and enhance crime prevention, intervention, and enforcement efforts.

Eligible funding may be used to support a wide range of public safety initiatives, including:

• Recruitment and retention of personnel in law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, detention facilities, and community-based organizations engaged in prevention, accountability, and reintegration efforts;
• Acquisition of equipment, technology, and facilities, including forensic and DNA analysis tools, body-worn cameras, license plate readers, drones, counter-drone technology, ballistic identification systems, and real-time crime centers;
• Mental health and substance use services, including crisis intervention teams, outpatient and residential treatment programs, and recovery support services;
• Victim services, including emergency assistance, temporary housing, and employment support; and
• Youth crime prevention and intervention programs that address risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression initiatives and case management services.

"The stakes are too high for Albuquerque and Las Cruces to pass up this historic public safety funding opportunity. I strongly encourage leaders in both cities to submit competitive applications. There's no reason that Albuquerque and Las Cruces cannot work with the Federal Government to crack down on violent crime and enhance public safety. I'm extending a hand of partnership to these cities, and I stand ready to advocate on their behalf in Washington."

Cities will apply through a whole-of-city approach. That means that city leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and others will work together to submit one application that proposes a persuasive vision of how this money can be awarded strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.