Morgan Citizen: Kemp rolls out new law enforcement grant program

Kemp announced a new grant program Thursday that will provide up to $1.5 million to help law enforcement agencies cope with violent crime that has been on the upswing since the pandemic began more than two years ago and offset staffing losses that have hit police and sheriff’s departments.

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen an unacceptable increase in violent crime all across the state, fueled by the pandemic and misguided efforts like the ‘Defund the Police’ movement, which demoralized our hardworking law enforcement officers.”

Law enforcement agencies awarded grants through the new program will be able to use the money to augment law staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment needed to combat the rise in gun violence.

AJC: Kemp commits $100 million more in federal COVID-19 money to law enforcement

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Thursday that he is committing another $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief money for grants to law enforcement agencies to address violent crime and offset staffing shortages.

“Public safety has always been my top priority, because every Georgian should feel safe in their own communities,” Kemp said in a statement announcing the grants.

In this case, the state will award up to $1.5 million in grants to law enforcement agencies to “address increased violent and community crimes as a result of the pandemic and to help offset a decrease in law enforcement staffing that occurred as local governments fought the effects and spread of COVID-19.”

Funds can be used to augment staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment.

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