Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
Justice Cabinet awards nearly $5 million to aid law enforcement

FRANKFORT, KY –The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet today announced the award of 81 federal and state grants totaling nearly $5 million to police departments, sheriff’s departments and other criminal justice agencies across the Commonwealth.  The grant money will help police officers and criminal justice professionals protect citizens against drunken driving, drugs and other crimes.  All grant awards run July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.

“The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is committed to assisting local law enforcement agencies across Kentucky as they perform the duties necessary to keep their communities safe,” said Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown.

In all, 55 Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants were awarded for 2009.  This federal money will help law enforcement agencies, drug task forces and other criminal justice programs stop the spread of drugs and improve the quality of life in Kentucky communities.  The Cabinet expects to announce additional Byrne/Justice Assistance Grants – funded by the  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) – in early Fall.

In addition, 26 grants were awarded through the Law Enforcement Service Fee program.  This state money will help officers target drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs. 

“Law enforcement officers witness firsthand how illegal drugs can devastate entire communities,” Brown said.  “This grant money will help officers defend innocent children and protect neighborhoods against drugs.”

The awards were presented to agencies benefiting more than 100 counties and statewide programs.  For a complete list of awards and the counties served, contact Jennifer Brislin at (502) 564-8220.