BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Local law enforcement agencies and communities across north Alabama are receiving a combined total of $7,256,829 from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to support law enforcement technology, community policing, and mental health initiatives.
The funds were awarded through several DOJ programs aimed at enhancing public safety and improving law enforcement resources.
Key Grant Awards:
Community Policing Development Program
- The National Association of School Resource Officers received $200,000 to train school resource officers across the region.
COPS Office Hiring Program
- City of Pell City: $219,850 to hire two new officers.
- City of Jacksonville: $125,000 to hire an additional officer.
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program
- City of Hartselle: $25,000 for mental health and wellness initiatives for officers.
School Violence Prevention Program
- Winston County Board of Education: $499,598 to improve school safety and prevent violence.
Technology and Equipment Program
Several agencies received funding to upgrade technology, improve communications, and enhance security:
- Cullman County District Attorney’s Office: $110,000 for technology upgrades and a law enforcement vehicle.
- City of Fort Payne: $670,000 for emergency-response and communications systems.
- Jackson County Commission: $250,000 for patrol vehicles.
- Jacksonville State University: $656,000 to improve campus security.
- Limestone County Commission: $425,000 for courthouse security.
- Madison County Commission: $195,000 to enhance security in the county jail.
- City of Moody: $245,000 for improved emergency-communications systems.
- City of Oxford: $185,000 to enhance crime-fighting resources.
- City of Pell City: $612,000 to improve emergency communications.
- Pickens County Emergency 911 Board: $1.8 million for enhanced local emergency services.
- St. Clair County: $1.2 million for a mobile command center for emergency response.
Body-Worn Camera Program
- Blount County Commission: $29,996
- City of Montevallo: $4,385
For more information on the 2024 COPS awards, visit the COPS Grants website.
