Department of Finance & Administration
Mark Emkes, Commissioner

RECOVERY ACT BRINGS $56 MILLION TO TENNESSEE FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Governor Phil Bredesen and U.S. Representatives Jim Cooper, Bart Gordon and Lincoln Davis today announced that grants totaling over $56 million are being awarded to cities and counties, state and local agencies and organizations that serve victims of crime in Tennessee through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  

“These Recovery Act grants will have a significant impact across Tennessee, especially among local law enforcement agencies that are feeling the impact of the economic downturn,” Bredesen said. “I applaud local organizations for moving quickly to apply for these grants, which improve the criminal justice system by combating violent and drug-related crime and also bring together law enforcement, service programs, prosecutors and the courts to make sure victims and justice are served.”

“These much-needed funds will keep cops on the street and our neighborhoods safe,” Rep. Cooper said.  “I am proud to support our hard-working law enforcement officials with the resources they need.”

“Countless lives are saved every day by the courageous efforts of Tennessee’s sheriffs and police officers,” said Rep. Gordon.  “Despite the economic climate, we need to ensure our officers have what they need to continue protecting our neighborhoods.  These grants will do just that – much-needed equipment will be purchased and officer training programs will be improved.”

“Local law enforcement agencies battling drug and violent crime and organizations supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence will immediately be able to put these needed resources to use,” said Rep. Davis. “As we continue to battle the economic downturn I fear without these grants those who have sworn to protect us would be lacking the tools to adequately and effectively protect our families from persons who have the desire to harm.”  

Approximately $50 million of the total criminal justice grants are awarded through the Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program of the U.S. Department of Justice.  Byrne/JAG grants support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local jurisdiction’s own needs and conditions. The program provides local agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they need them most.

The criminal justice grants now being delivered locally are:

• Byrne/JAG awards through the state: $28.5 million in grants are being awarded, including grants to 50 of the state’s 95 counties.  These grants are awarded through the state Office of Criminal Justice Programs in the Department of Finance and Administration, and many of the 166 grant awards in this area feature regional and statewide projects.
• Byrne/JAG awards direct from the federal government: $19.5 million is being sent directly from the federal government to 87 cities and 78 of the state’s 95 counties to support all components of improving effectiveness and efficiency of the criminal justice system.
• Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants: $5.5 million is awarded through the state to more than 100 Tennessee organizations providing services for victims of crime.  VOCA grants primarily support programs for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and previously underserved areas.
• STOP Violence Against Women grants: $2.8 million is awarded to more than 35 local government and non-profit agencies focused on implementing comprehensive strategies to address violence against women. STOP formula grants target funding to the hiring and retaining of criminal justice and victim service personnel who respond to violent crimes against women as well as improving responses to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.   

A complete list of agencies receiving the grants can be found at www.tnrecovery.gov/finance.