Harris Applauds Three Justice Department Grants to First District

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) announced the award of $57,970 in federal grants to three local jurisdictions in Maryland's First Congressional District. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice and the funds will be dispersed through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and the Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program. Specific funding amounts are outlined below:

• County of Dorchester – Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program – $11,370
• City of Salisbury – JAG Program – $21,096
• County of Harford – JAG Program – $25,504

The JAG program allows local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on local needs. According to the Department of Justice, these grant funds can be used for "state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following program areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs" and "8) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs."

The Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program administers grants relating to sex offender registration and notification authorized by the Adam Walsh Act and other grant programs as directed by the Attorney General. Dorchester County will utilize funding to enhance and increase sex offender registration compliance checks.

Rep. Andy Harris made the following statement:

"Recent violence in both our major cities and smaller towns has highlighted the need to maintain law and order in our country. These funds will be utilized by our local law enforcement to enhance their efforts to serve and protect the community. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I strongly support our local law enforcement, and these grants have my full support."