In a significant stride towards reducing violent crime, the Justice Department has announced several new commitments as part of its Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime. Spearheaded by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, the strategy aims to leverage federal resources, intelligence, and expertise to empower state, local, and Tribal law enforcement agencies across the country.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco and Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta have unveiled more than $334 million in critical grant funding for law enforcement agencies and stakeholders. These funds, awarded by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office), will play a pivotal role in bolstering public safety initiatives at various levels.

One of the highlights of the COPS grants is the allocation of funds to support the hiring of over 1,730 new law enforcement officers nationwide. This initiative aims to strengthen law enforcement capabilities and improve community policing efforts. Additionally, the grants will provide crucial funding to enhance school safety measures and continue the advancement of community policing throughout the country.

In another major development, the Justice Department has expanded the reach of the Office of Justice Program's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Public Safety Partnership (PSP). Five new cities have been named as part of the PSP, joining the existing 50 jurisdictions. The 2024 PSP sites include Knoxville, Tennessee; Minneapolis; Raleigh, North Carolina; San Antonio; and Vallejo, California. The PSP has demonstrated its efficacy in aiding partner sites in reducing crime rates, improving homicide clearance rates, and enhancing the quality of life for community members.

Furthermore, the Deputy Attorney General and Associate Attorney General have announced an upcoming Violent Crime Reduction Summit to be held in Indianapolis from December 11 to 13. The summit will bring together up to 1,500 local and federal partners from across the country, including representatives from the PSP jurisdictions and Project Safe Neighborhoods. It aims to foster collaboration, exchange best practices, and strengthen efforts to address violent crime nationwide.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland emphasized the importance of these grants in supporting law enforcement agencies and their commitment to safeguarding communities. He highlighted that the grants will provide the necessary resources to hire over 1,700 new officers and invest in school safety and crisis intervention efforts, fostering public trust and community safety.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco acknowledged the progress made in reducing crime rates but stressed the need for continued work in ensuring safety for all Americans. She emphasized the significance of community-driven safety initiatives backed by substantial investments totaling over $5.6 billion. These grants and partnerships will build upon past investments and work in tandem with law enforcement and community partners to counteract violent crime effectively.

Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta underscored the vital role these grants play in addressing urgent public safety needs and fostering trust and collaboration between law enforcement and communities. Gupta noted that the grants will provide essential funding for hiring highly qualified and diverse police officers, improving school safety, and strengthening police and community partnerships.

The COPS Office, which has been advancing community policing efforts since 1994, has been instrumental in promoting nationwide public safety. Having awarded grants to over 13,000 law enforcement agencies, the COPS Office has been instrumental in funding the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers. The funding announced today serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the COPS Office in advancing this crucial work.

These grant awards build on the significant investments already made by the Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP), which has allocated $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2023 to support public safety and community justice activities. Among these funds, over $1 billion is specifically earmarked for crime reduction and violence prevention, while an additional $109 million has been designated for school violence prevention and research.

Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon highlighted the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and communities to effectively reduce violent crime. She emphasized that the Office of Justice Programs stands ready to support jurisdictions in addressing violent crime through robust assistance and resources.

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) takes a leadership role in providing grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to enhance the nation's ability to prevent and reduce crime while upholding equity, fairness, and the rule of law.

With these significant commitments and investments, the Justice Department showcases its unwavering dedication to curbing violent crime, empowering law enforcement agencies, and fostering safer communities across the United States.