Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.), Chairwoman of the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Subcommittee that funds local law enforcement through the Department of Justice, announced March 6, that Maryland state and local law enforcement agencies will receive more than $43.8 million in Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fight crime.  The $43.89 million in Byrne JAG funding will go towards meeting state law enforcement needs ($26.5 million) and local law enforcement needs ($17.39 million). 

As Chairwoman of the CJS Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Mikulski successfully secured more than $2 billion for Byrne JAG formula grants and more than $225 million for Byrne Competitive grants in the ARRA bill that was signed into law last month.

“I have heard from state and local police around the country that the lack of funding during the last administration meant fewer cops on our streets fighting gangs, drugs, and child predators and fewer prosecutions of criminals,” said Senator Mikulski.  “The economic downturn has worsened the situation, forcing our state and local law enforcement to do more with less. I am committed to giving law enforcement the tools they need to clean up the streets, protect our families, and fight the crime that is destroying communities.”

Byrne JAG grants are used to help states and communities improve their criminal justice systems, and to prevent drug abuse and crime.  The state award will be administered by the Governor’s Office of Crime Control.  Eligible local jurisdictions apply for grants through the DOJ Office of Justice Programs.  Grants are awarded based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics.