Web Crime-Fighting Benefits From Stimulus
The Justice Department will get $4 billion from the $787 billion economic stimulus plan signed by President Barack Obama on Tuesday to enhance state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts. Included in that pool is $50 million for the agency's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces. Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., a staunch supporter of the program, made sure the money was part of the package. The funding will help those who track down child pornographers and will preserve law enforcement jobs, the National Association to Protect Children (PROTECT) said. The $50 million was halved during Senate negotiations but was restored after child protection advocates spoke out.
Law enforcement grant funds for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) programs will also be available as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and much of it could go toward child exploitation work, PROTECT said. Grants will fund an estimated 5,500 local police officers through COPS as well as the JAG program's formula grants to state and local law enforcement. PROTECT worked in 2008 with the Surviving Parents Coalition to boost ICAC budgets in the pending FY 2009 omnibus. Senate appropriators increased the budget from $15.9 million to $30 million while the House allotted $25 million.
"This funding is vital to keeping our communities strong," Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement. "As governors, mayors, and local law enforcement professionals struggle with the current economic crisis, we can't afford to decrease our commitment to fighting crime and keeping our communities safe. These grants will help ensure states and localities can make the concerted efforts necessary to protect our most vulnerable communities and populations."
Join the Discussion
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus