WASHINGTON, DC— In an effort to help reduce crime in Rhode Island, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will award several communities throughout Rhode Island with a total of $132,844 in Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) to prevent and control crime.

Communities receiving Byrne JAG funding include: Cranston, Central Falls, West Warwick, North Providence, and Coventry.

"It is critical to provide our police departments with the resources they need to do their jobs, and this federal funding will help local law enforcement to reduce crime and keep our neighborhoods safe," said Reed. "These funds will help our police departments to upgrade their equipment, computer systems, and technology. It will also help pay overtime to foot patrols and bike patrols when extra policing is needed."

Senator Reed, a key member of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees federal spending on Department of Justice programs, has consistently advocated funding for the Byrne Grant program and has strongly opposed the Bush Administration's attempts to eliminate it.

Byrne JAG funds are designed to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and control crime based on their specific need and conditions. The federal funds can be used for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, and state and local initiatives and programs.

City/Town Amount Purpose

Cranston $47,091 Funding will be used to purchase equipment, desktop computers, and software.

Central Falls $33,817 Funding will be used to pay overtime to foot patrols and bike patrols.

West Warwick $21,807 Funding will be used to install and upgrade computer systems and networks.

North Providence $16,750 Funding will be used to help with maintenance and fee payments for technology upgrades.

Coventry $13,379 Funding will be used to purchase equipment for the Marine Patrol Unit