FY2024 BJA Violent Crime Reduction Project

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office respectfully submits this application for the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The Sheriff’s Office requests funding of $155,706 to address violent crime in the Macon-Bibb County community. The project will utilize technology, training, and equipment to enhance proactive policing and investigative capabilities.

Local statistics document the significance of the proposed project. With 2,698 violent crimes committed in 2023, the county’s violent crime rate per 100,000 residents of 1,724 represents more than four times the national average of 380. Demographic and economic statistics document the additional challenges faced by the community. These include poverty rates more than double the national average, a population predominately high risk, and a geographic location providing convenient access to High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas.

While the primary target area includes the local community, the proposed technology and equipment will also enable the Sheriff’s Office to more effectively coordinate information with other jurisdictions and agencies to address crime beyond Macon-Bibb County’s boundaries.

Monitoring of crime statistics will provide performance measurements to guide decision making as the project progresses and to document the effectiveness of the project. Analysis will include compilation of local statistics and comparisons to historical data and similar data on the state and national level.

The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office represents the designated law enforcement agency for Macon-Bibb County. Sheriff David J. Davis will ensure adequate, qualified staffing to support implementation and monitoring of the project. The Bibb County Sheriff’s Office consistently receives federal funding for a variety of programs and understands the compliance and reporting requirements associated with federal programs. The Sheriff’s Office will commit the resources necessary to ensure the success of the project.

Utilizing data and innovative approaches provides evidence-informed strategies to reduce crime through tailored, community-centered initiatives. Multidisciplinary strategies engage individuals and groups to prevent and disrupt cycles of violence and establish relationships between individuals, law enforcement, and community partners to deliver services that improve the physical, social, and economic conditions that drive violence. The Sheriff’s Office will utilize the resources provided with this funding to improve investigative capabilities with the goals to promote civil rights and racial equity, increase access to justice, support crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthen community safety, protect the public from crime and evolving threats, and build trust between law enforcement and the community.