Governor Brian P. Kemp announced preliminary grant awards totaling more than $83.5 million for 118 qualified projects to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we’re sending reinforcements to keep hardworking Georgians and their neighborhoods safe. From tackling staffing needs to deploying new equipment and technology, these funds are being invested so that our brave first responders have the resources they need to fight back against dangerous criminals.”
In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will be utilized to supplement law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment to address and respond to the rise in community violence resulting from the pandemic.
The City of Cedartown was awarded $1,087,262. The funds will be used for: implementation of equipment to reduce violent crime projects and add additional law enforcement personnel to aid in investigation of violent crimes. The grant will pay for two additional officers and a part-time law enforcement administrative staff member.
The City of Rome will get $1,214,219.60 to invest in new equipment and technology to improve officer and public safety.
The Floyd County Board of Commissioners will get $1,012,303.03 to pay for The Floyd County Sentry Initiative. Funds will be used to employee a full-time crime analyst position, buy new technology, a new vehicle and get equipment upgrades.
The City of Cartersville will get $221,760 to purchase taser certification bundles.
