FRANKFORT – The state announced Thursday the award of 65 federal and state grants totaling more than $3.5 million to police departments, sheriff’s departments and other criminal justice agencies across Kentucky. 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, 2011 to June 30, 2012.The 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.
Examples of projects include the Kentucky State Police receiving $470,000 to fight drugs; the Shelbyville Police Department receiving nearly $7,500 for its forensic mapping program; and the Crestview Hills Police Department in Kenton County receiving nearly $2,000 for tasers.
A total of 24 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.
Examples of projects include the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office receiving nearly $1,000 for a portable breath test program; the Maysville Police Department receiving $7,500 for in car digital video; and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department and the Paducah Police Department receiving nearly $18,000 each for their driving under the influence programs.
Fayette County and Jefferson County law enforcement agencies each received nearly $100,000 in grant funding.
“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,” Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown said. “Law enforcement officers witness firsthand how illegal drugs can devastate entire communities. This grant money will help officers defend innocent children and protect neighborhoods against drugs.”
