U.S. Attorney Trent Shores Announces $40,210 Award to Address COVID-19 Pandemic-Related Law Enforcement Needs in Broken Arrow

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.

U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma today announced that the Broken Arrow Police Department received $40,210 in Department of Justice grants to respond to the public safety challenges posed by the outbreak of COVID-19.

“The men and women of the Broken Arrow Police Department shoulder a great responsibility in carrying out their sworn duty to protect and serve. At no time has that been truer than during this public health crisis when BA police officers continue to answer the call whenever and wherever they are needed,” said U.S. Attorney Trent Shores. “I will do everything in my power as United States Attorney to protect and support America’s guardians of justice. I am hopeful this $40,000 from the Justice Department will help Broken Arrow police officers in their public safety duties while also ensuring their own health and safety. I also encourage all of our local law enforcement agencies to apply for these critical grants from the Department of Justice. I will support each and every application from a northeastern Oklahoma law enforcement agency.”

“This grant goes a long way to help protect our first responders. The support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office is greatly appreciated by the Broken Arrow Police Department,” said Broken Arrow Police Chief Brandon Berryhill. “This grant has made it possible for our department to purchase personal protective equipment to ensure the health and safety of those on the front lines. On behalf of the Broken Arrow Police Department and the citizens we serve, I thank you.”

The grant awarded to the Broken Arrow Police Department is available under the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program, authorized by the recent stimulus legislation signed by President Donald Trump. In addition, $3,866,386 has been allocated for local jurisdictions in Oklahoma. Those jurisdictions can find out if they are eligible and apply immediately by visiting this website. The Justice Department is moving quickly, awarding grants on a rolling basis and aiming to have funds available for drawdown as soon as possible after receiving applications.

 Also, in April 2020, the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council received a $7,752,847 grant from the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding program.  The grant to the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council will provide funding to assist eligible public safety/criminal justice state, county, local and tribal units of government as well as victim-services non-profit agencies. For further information about the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council grant, please visit here.   

“The outbreak of COVID-19 and the public health emergency it created are sobering reminders that even the most routine duties performed by our nation’s public safety officials carry potentially grave risks,” said Katharine T. Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs. “These funds will provide hard-hit communities with critical resources to help mitigate the impact of this crisis and give added protection to the brave professionals charged with keeping citizens safe.”

The law gives jurisdictions considerable latitude in the use of these funds for dealing with COVID-19. Potential uses include hiring personnel, paying overtime, purchasing protective equipment, distributing resources to hard-hit areas and addressing inmates’ medical needs.

Agencies that were eligible for the fiscal year 2019 State and Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program are candidates for the emergency funding. Local units of government and tribes will receive direct awards separately according to their jurisdictions’ allocations.

The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.