Save Essential Public Safety Services

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 4, the City of Watsonville, will use the FY 2009 Recovery Act Byrne Competitive Grant funds to support the Watsonville Police Department. The funds will be used to create jobs for economic recovery and to reduce the crime rate in the community. The Watsonville Police Department plans will hire two civilian police service specialists. The civilian specialists will increase the number of law enforcement hours devoted to crime prevention, suppression, and problem-solving activities.

CA/NCF