$4.8M in Federal Funding Boosts Crime Prevention and Justice Programs in the USVI

Approximately $4.8 million in federally funded grants has been awarded to criminal justice entities in the Virgin Islands, including, law enforcement agencies and the Courts, as well as to non-profit organizations throughout the territory that provide juvenile justice and crime prevention programs, in addition to direct services for crime victims, including survivors of domestic and date-related violence and sexual assault, the Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) announced.

“LEPC is committed to advancing Governor Albert Bryan’s vision of safe communities throughout the Virgin Islands. Our recent awarding of these important federal funds to support law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations, as well as other criminal justice stakeholders, is a significant step in our comprehensive three (3) part

strategic approach to support this vision. Our strategic approach includes (1) establishing a Virgin Islands criminal justice data repository, (2) collaborations that strengthen our criminal justice system by identifying and closing gaps, and (3) aligning resources to sustainably support keeping the Virgin Islands safe,” said LEPC Director Moleto A. Smith

Jr.

LEPC serves as the State Administering Agency (SAA) for federal United States Justice Department (USDOJ) grant funds awarded to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Funding for these initiatives is made available through the USDOJ Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG), Violence Against Women Act (STOP) Grants (VAWA), Victims of Crime Act Grants (VOCA), the Residential and Substance Abuse Treatment of State Prisoners Program Grants (RSAT) and other federal USDOJ formula grant programs, according to the press release.