Department of Public Safety News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 01, 2011

Missouri awards more than $1.8 million in drug task force and law enforcement grants to fight crime in Kansas City region

Grants will help ensure continued strength of Missouri's important multi-jurisdictional drug task forces

The Missouri Department of Public Safety announced today that law enforcement agencies in the Kansas City area were awarded more than $1.8 million 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 $1,886,771 in grants are: ·    The Kansas City Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force will receive $389,410 ·    The Sheriff's Office in Carroll County will receive $8,539 ·    The Clay County Drug Task Force will receive $455,118 ·    The Jackson County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force will receive $321,378 ·    The Drug Abatement Response Team in Jackson County will receive $247,910 ·    The Lafayette County Narcotics Unit will receive $177,705 ·    The Platte County Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Group will receive $286,711
Including these Kansas City area 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