Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 01, 2011

Missouri awards more than $240,000 in drug task force and law enforcement grants to fight crime in Jasper and Vernon counties

Grants will help ensure continued strength of Missouri's important multi-jurisdictional drug task forces
The Missouri Department of Public Safety announced today that multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in Jasper and Vernon counties have been awarded more than $240,000 in grants designed to combat illegal drugs and drug-related crimes, and to strengthen law enforcement efforts. The grants will help ensure the continued strength of Missouri's multi-jurisdictional drug task forces during tight budget times.
"These grants are designed to make Missouri communities safer and stronger by bolstering the state's   highly effective multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in the battle against drugs and drug-related crime," said Department of Public Safety Director John M. Britt. "The grants should make a real difference by allowing these law enforcement agencies to continue to devote significant resources to the fight against illegal drugs.”
The initiatives receiving a portion of the $244,034 in grants awarded in Jasper and Vernon counties are: ·    The Jasper County Drug Task Force will receive $118,890

·    The Community Narcotics Enforcement Team DTF in Vernon County will receive $125,144

Including these two initiatives, a total of $7,135,243 in federal Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) is being awarded to 27 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces operated by counties and municipalities; one program that responds to clandestine methamphetamine labs and provides important supplies to emergency response personnel; two prosecutorial efforts to combat drugs; one program focused on preventing drug use through education and early intervention; one prosecutorial program to investigate sexual and domestic abuse;  two law enforcement agencies for records management system purchases; three law enforcement agencies for equipment purchases; and one program that assists the Department of Public Safety develop crime fighting strategy.
The grants will utilize $1,340,236 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov