MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey has announced two grants totaling just over $237,000 to help reduce crime in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County Commission was awarded $137,242, and the city of Birmingham received $100,000 under the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods grant program. The initiative is part of a nationwide effort that brings together local, state and federal officials to develop strategies for combating violent crime.
“Violent crime has terrorized many neighborhoods and resulted in unnecessary heartache,” Gov. Ivey said. “This program uses multiple resources to find local solutions to help communities weed out this evil and reduce crime in our neighborhoods.”
The grant to Jefferson County will enable the Sheriff’s Department to purchase equipment to become part of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. With this technology, the Sheriff’s Department and more than 20 law enforcement agencies in the county will be better equipped to solve crimes by tracing firearms and ballistic evidence.
The Birmingham Police Department will use its funds to update outdated or insufficient equipment. Police officials said the new upgrades will improve both communications and management of case files.
A major goal of Project Safe Neighborhoods is to incorporate research and data analysis as well as lessons learned from other violent crime reduction initiatives to inform its decision-making on the most effective violence reduction strategies.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grant from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA is pleased to align with Gov. Ivey and these programs to reduce violent crimes throughout Jefferson County,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.
ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.
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