09.28.16

Durbin Announces $2 Million To Support Law Enforcement Efforts In Illinois

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $2,098,785 in federal funding to support law enforcement efforts in Illinois. Today’s funding, awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), will help pay for equipment, training, and personnel retention as well as critical services for victims of crime and individuals with drug addiction.
 
“This infusion of federal dollars will strengthen our state’s justice system and make Illinois a safer place to live,” said Senator Durbin. “I will continue working to secure federal investments that equip our law enforcement and officers of the court with the best, most up-to-date tools and training to do their jobs effectively and keep residents safe.”
 
Under this announcement, the following state and local governments and organizations received DOJ funding:
 
·         Illinois Student Assistance Commission: $52,591 from the John R. Justice student loan repayment program to state and federal public defenders and state prosecutors who agree to remain in their positions for at least three years. The program was created by legislation that Durbin first introduced in 2003 and was passed into law as part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008;
·         Illinois Attorney General's Office: $404,453 to enhance law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute Internet-related child exploitation criminal offenses and educate the general public, school personnel, and students about Internet safety;
·         Community Resources & Information For Seniors (Danville): $350,000 to train law enforcement how to identify, investigate, and prosecute elder abuse and provide services for victims of elder abuse;
·         Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office: $340,351 for the Cook County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which works to prevent the victimization of children as well as assist in the investigation and prosecution of crimes involving the exploitation of children;
·         Henderson County: $11,346 to purchase body cameras for police department;
·         Will County: $300,000 to expand and improve services provided by Will County Drug Court, including mental health services, education, job training, housing placement, childcare, and other family support services;
·         Madison County: $299,485 to expand and improve services provided by Madison County Drug Court, including mental health services, education, job training, housing placement, childcare, and other family support services;
·         Marion County Housing Authority: $119,879 to expand and improve services provided by the drug court, including mental health services, education, job training, housing placement, childcare, and other family support services;
·         City of Peoria: $68,990 from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) to purchase a laser scanner and Tasers;
·         Village of Lakemoor: $12,413 to purchase body cameras for police department;
·         Evanston Police Department: $139,277 to purchase body cameras.