Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern Announces $252,537 in Federal Funding for WORCESTER Law Enforcement and Public Safety

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA3) today announced that the City of Worcester Police Department will receive two grants totaling $252,537 in federal funding for law enforcement and public safety.

$177,285 is being awarded through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program; $75,252 through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program, both administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

JAG program funds can be used for a variety of efforts such as hiring law enforcement officers; supporting drug and gang task forces; funding crime prevention and domestic violence programs; and supporting courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives.

The Coverdell program awards grants to states and units of local government to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog.

Worcester will utilize the Byrne funding for police overtime compensation to attend community and neighborhood watch meetings and to participate in targeted prostitution stings. The Coverdell funding will be used to fund a forensic liaison between the Worcester Police, the Worcester County DA, and the State Police crime laboratory.

-In this difficult economic climate, it is vital that cities like Worcester are able to maintain a focus on public safety,- Rep. McGovern said. -This federal assistance will enable the Worcester Police Department to continue emphasizing community and neighborhood efforts; enhance their presence in high-need areas, and improve their crime analysis capabilities by working closely with the Worcester DA and the Massachusetts State Police.-

-Our City remains safe due to the great work of our Chief and the men and women of the Worcester Police Department. Their efforts are enhanced through solid partnerships across the spectrum. This grant award, thanks to Congressman McGovern's stewardship, is welcome news and a great example of this. These federal dollars will be put to work immediately within our successful neighborhood watch program and other initiatives to continue to build those partnerships and to keep our community safe,- said Worcester City Manager Michael O'Brien.