April 20, 2024
ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp is using $100 million in federal COVID-19 relief to help boost public safety.
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.
“Public safety has always been my top priority, because every Georgian should feel safe in their own communities,” the governor said.
“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.”
Local agencies can apply for up to $1.5 million apiece if they can show that violent gun crimes and other violence got worse during the pandemic in their communities. State agencies can't apply.
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.
“With these funds, I am sending reinforcements to those on the front lines to help with recruitment and retention, crime reduction, violence intervention, and equipment and technology," Kemp said in a statement. “I look forward to the positive impact these investments will have and expect local governments to take full advantage of these available funds to take the fight to the criminals.”
