March 6, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Indianapolis has been awarded nearly $6.5 million through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, Congressman André Carson announced this afternoon.

Allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including hiring new officers, supporting drug and gang task forces, purchasing new technology and equipment, and funding crime prevention and domestic violence programs.

“Amid this tumultuous economic downturn, we cannot let our commitment to public safety slip,” said Congressman André Carson.

“As a former law enforcement officer, I understand the immense strain put on our city’s public safety leaders by the ongoing national recession. This JAG funding will help provide Indianapolis with the resources to keep officers on our streets and provide them with the tools they need to protect our families and neighborhoods.”

In addition to local public safety funding, the Indiana State Police received nearly $22 million in JAG program funds.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, passed by Congress February 13 and signed into law by President Obama last week, will create 75,000 jobs across Indiana, including 7,400 in the Seventh Congressional District.

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