GOV. EASLEY ANNOUNCES NEARLY $23 MILLION FOR SECURE COMMUNITIES 

 
RALEIGH - Gov. Mike Easley today announced that the Governor's Crime Commission (GCC) is awarding $22.7 million to state and local agencies to enhance community safety and assist crime victims.  The money will provide funding for programs that include detecting and deterring gang activity, assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, preventing juvenile delinquency, fighting drug abuse and providing equipment for local law enforcement agencies.

“These grants strengthen our efforts to prevent crime, domestic violence, child abuse and gang activity,” said Easley.  “The money helps local agencies to get the equipment and resources they need to keep our communities safe and secure.”

The commission awarded grants to 298 state and local agencies, including nearly $7 million for domestic violence programs and shelters and sexual assault service providers.  Local law enforcement agencies will also use grant funds to purchase equipment for officer safety, in-car computers and upgraded radio communications.

A grant to the N.C. Department of Justice will enhance the use of DNA databases for criminal investigations and more than $145,000 is being directed for automation of National Crime Information Center records.  Nearly $850,000 will be devoted to upgrading the Statewide Automated Victim Assistance and Notification (SAVAN) system that helps notify crime victims on custody status and court information on offenders. 

The Administrative Office of the Courts is receiving funds for dealing with domestic violence, child abuse and other family-related issues.  The N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety will use funds to support training for state and local drug task forces and narcotics enforcement initiatives.  The N.C. Department of Correction will partner with local agencies and focus on the successful partnerships for reentry programs.

Funding for GCC grants is appropriated annually by Congress to the U.S. Department of Justice for distribution to the states in four categories: Justice Assistance Grants; Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; Victim of Crime Act; and Violence Against Women Act programs. 

The Governor's Crime Commission, a division of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, administers the federal grants to provide seed money to establish new programs.  Once the new programs are in place, local resources are expected to maintain them.  There are 42 members of the commission, some who serve by virtue of their appointed or elected office, some who are appointed by the governor, and legislators who are appointed by the leader of their respective chamber.  For more information on the commission, go to www.ncgccd.org.

 # #