JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AWARDS OVER $2.8 MILLION IN GRANTS TO AREA LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES

The Department of Justice has awarded $2,809,033 collectively to area law enforcement agencies, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall, who stated, "I am thrilled to see taxpayer dollars returned to support our law enforcement partners. Protecting our first responders with better equipment and reducing violent crimes against women are both extremely worthy causes that should always be well funded."

The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office (LPSO) was awarded $39,145 to reduce gun-related violence by supporting investigative efforts, enhancing officer safety, and strengthening evidence collection. This will be accomplished through funding for investigator overtime, the use of advanced technology, and targeted enforcement against violent offenders. Under this initiative, LPSO will continue Operation Gun Stop, a program that enables citizens to anonymously report illegal gun activity, thereby increasing community involvement and intelligence gathering. LPSO will further expand the Firearms Investigative Unit, a proven program focused on conducting undercover purchases of illegal firearms and apprehending individuals involved in unlawful gun transactions. Together, these approaches will enhance proactive enforcement, improve case development, and support the prevention of gun-related crimes throughout Livingston Parish.

The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office (APSO) was awarded $28,433 to equip all APSO deputies with reliable and effective Body Armor such as ballistic vests, carriers, and trauma plates to increase the likelihood of survival during deadly force encounters. Special emphasis will be incorporated in departmental training regarding the advantages of wearing body armor by non-uniformed officers while performing their duties.

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office (EBRSO) was awarded $232,868 to support a comprehensive equipment and technology initiative aimed at enhancing public safety, officer safety, and operational effectiveness across multiple divisions. Funds will be used to acquire LIDAR speed detection devices, breaching kits, electronic writing devices, a portable ballistic protection system, traffic control equipment, and portable solar-powered crime camera systems.

The Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement (LCLE) was awarded $893,708 to support rape crisis centers (including governmental rape crisis centers not in territories and tribal governmental programs) and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide core services, direct intervention, and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, regardless of age.

The LCLE was awarded an additional $2,508,587 to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The LCLE is a foundation located in Baton Rouge dedicated to improving the operations of the criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and to promoting public safety by providing progressive leadership and coordination within the criminal justice community.

For more information about these awards, contact OJP Office of Communications at 202-307-0703 or [email protected], or the Office on Violence Against Women at 202-307-6026 and ask for the Policy, Communication, and Evaluation Division.