LAW ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

February 20, 2009

SUMMARY

The stimulus package appropriates billions to first responders and law enforcement investigators nationwide, providing for both job creation and better protection of the American people in these dangerous times.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SPENDING PROVISIONS

State and Local Law Enforcement: $4 billion to support state and local law enforcement including $3 billion for the Byrne Justice Assistance (JAG) formula grants to support local law enforcement efforts with equipment and operating costs, and $1 billion for the COPS hiring grant program, to hire about 13,000 new police officers for three years. The grantee is responsible for at least 25% in matching funds and must commit to use their own funds to keep the officer on board in the fourth year.

Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funding: Benefits for Pennsylvania
$73.2 million in Byrne/JAG grants to support law enforcement efforts

Also, $1 million in Internet Crimes Against Children Grants to help law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative response to offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems, or other computer technology to sexually exploit children

$6.4 million in Violence Against Women Grants for victim services programs to improve the criminal justice system’s response to violent crimes against women and to assist victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking who are in need of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance, and related support services

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SPENDING PROVISIONS

$2.75 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to secure the homeland and promote economic activity, including $1 billion for airport baggage and checkpoint security, $430 million for construction of border points of entry, $210 million for construction of fire stations, $300 million for port, transit, and rail security, $280 million for border security technology and communication, and $240 million for the Coast Guard.

SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE RELATED TO DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SPENDING PROVISIONS (in millions - more detail will be provided as it becomes available)

Grants to state and local law enforcement (Bryne JAG) $2,225   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/recovery/

Grants to rural law enforcement $125   
Grants to law enforcement on southwest border (and High Traffic $40   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/recovery/

Grants for victims compensation programs $100   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/recovery/

Grants for tribal law enforcement $225   
Grants for state and local law enforcement to pursue Internet sex offenders $50   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/recovery/

Grants to state and local law enforcement to hire extra police officers (COPS Hiring) $1,000  David Buchanan, Vonda Matthews, or Shannon Long at 202.514.9079 www.cops.usdoj.gov / http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/Default.asp?Item=2108
Grants for violence against women prevention and prosecution programs $225   http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/recovery/

Costs of administering extra grant money $10   

SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE RELATED TO DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY SPENDING PROVISIONS (in millions - more detail will be provided as it becomes available)

Oversight of Homeland Security spending $5   
Construction, repairs and equipment for ports of entry to the U.S. $420   
Purchase and deployment of non-intrusive inspection systems for Customs and Border Protection $100   
Tactical communications equipment for Customs and Border Protection $60   
Border security fencing and technology $100   
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement information-sharing technology $20   
Explosive detection systems for airports $1,000   
Funding for Coast Guard acquisitions and construction $98   
Repairing and removing bridges hazardous to marine navigation $142   
Grants for security upgrades to mass transit $150   
Grants for security upgrades to ports $150   
Competitive grants to upgrade state and local fire stations $210   
Extra emergency food and shelter funding for homeless $100   http://www.efsp.unitedway.org/


Media Contact:
Jonathon Dworkin
Jonathon.Dworkin@mail.house.gov
610-892-8623