$4.6 Million Available to Bolster Public Safety Initiatives
ANNAPOLIS, MD - The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services has released a Notice of Funding Availability for the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (BJAG). This grant provides critical resources for organizations and law enforcement agencies to strengthen public safety while also promoting initiatives like officer wellness. More than $4.6 million in grant funds will be available for the FY 2022 fiscal year.
“We are proud of our partnerships with law enforcement agencies and organizations around the state, and we will continue to invest in and build on those relationships,” said Glenn Fueston, the executive director of the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim services. “In addition to direct support for crime fighting efforts, funding will also be available for officer wellness programs, preventative initiatives like crisis intervention, and mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences. This funding reflects the comprehensive and collaborative approach that Governor Larry Hogan has taken to build a safer Maryland.”
The Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention, Youth, and Victim Services awards funds to support the coordinated efforts of local governments, state agencies, private entities, faith-based and community organizations, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations in achieving realistic goals and carrying out jurisdictional strategic plans that increase public safety and address the needs of Maryland’s communities.
State priorities for providing this year’s BJAG funding were identified by utilizing Maryland’s crime data, stakeholder surveys, federal recommendations, and new state legislation. Priority areas include:
Crime/Violence Reduction
- Gun Violence Reduction Strategies
- Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs
Wellness, Mental Health and Crisis Intervention programs
- Officer Wellness initiatives and law enforcement employee assisted programs
- Crisis intervention teams/mental health/suicide prevention programs
- Prevention, early intervention, crisis and behavioral intervention programs including ACEs
Law Enforcement Enhancements
- Body Worn Cameras (BWC) equipment
- National Incident-Based Reporting System compliance programs
- Specialized law enforcement training programs
- Planning and evaluation of programs
Preference will be given to strategies that are aligned with best practices, evidence-based practices, and data-driven decision making processes.
