WASHINGTON, DC—U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice will award Providence $486,515 to reduce and control crime. Providence will receive $388,104 in Byrne JAG funding and $98,411 for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

"The Providence Police Department is working hard to curb violence in and around the city. These federal investments will help make Providence safer by paying police officers overtime to patrol high-crime areas," stated Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, which oversees federal investments in the criminal justice system. "It is critical that our dedicated police officers are given the resources and funding they need to combat gun and gang violence."

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. Reed has consistently advocated funding for the Byrne JAG program in light of the Administration's attempts to eliminate it.

Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime, links existing local programs together and provides them with necessary tools. The Rhode Island Justice Commission will use these funds to combat gun and gang crime in known hotspot areas of the city through prevention and enforcement methods.

"I want to thank Senator Reed and the entire congressional delegation for their tireless advocacy on behalf of Providence residents and their continued support of our efforts to reduce violent crime," said Mayor David N. Cicilline. "These federal grants help provide the men and women of the Providence Police with the tools they need to keep our neighborhoods safe."

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