Reinvesting in Public Safety

February 2009

With his signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) on February 17, President Obama recognized the strain the financial crisis has put on state and local law enforcement resources. In addition to helping create jobs, modernize health care, improve education, and shore up our nation’s infrastructure, the law directs almost $4 billion to criminal justice efforts. More than $2.76 billion of that will be administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

OJP is pleased to deliver these much-needed resources to our nation’s law enforcement and criminal justice agencies, many of which have been facing budget cuts amid rising crime. The money will give law enforcement officers the support they need to fight crime, help rural communities combat drugs, fund victim assistance and compensation programs, help state and local law enforcement agencies fight narcotics trafficking along our southern border, aid tribes in building detention facilities, and fund task forces to combat Internet crimes against children.

OJP is moving quickly to make funding available to state, local, and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations so that they can address the urgent public safety needs of their communities. Visit our Recovery Act Web page for regularly updated information on funding and for information on how to apply. Also, visit the COPS Office and Office on Violence Against Women Web sites for information on additional Department of Justice funding.