Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine today announced grants worth $39,954,021 have been awarded to support criminal justice programs and services throughout the commonwealth.
"These grants will enable localities and state agencies to support new and continuing programs addressing a wide range of criminal justice needs and issues across the commonwealth," said Kaine. "They demonstrate the strong commitment of Virginia's localities and state agencies to assuring that our criminal justice system is effective and responsive."
The money for the grants comes from federal funds allocated to Virginia and state funds appropriated by the General Assembly. The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the grant programs. DCJS' Criminal Justice Services Board (CJSB), the policy board appointed by the governor to act on matters affecting the criminal justice system in Virginia, reviewed and approved them.
"These grants will specifically fund sexual assault programs; criminal justice system improvements; victim witness and sexual assault programs; school resource officers; campus safety programs, crime prevention programs, offender reentry transitional services; residential substance abuse programs; comprehensive community corrections programs; and juvenile delinquency prevention programs," stated DCJS Director Leonard G. Cooke.
In total 295 grants were approved and awarded to 16 state agencies and 279 non-profit agencies, localities and colleges.
