Jackson among four jurisdictions picked for Justice Department’s $300 million Model Cities crime initiative
JACKSON — The city of Jackson is one of four jurisdictions in the country selected for funding under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Model Cities Initiative, a nearly $300 million program aimed at combating violent crime, Gov. Tate Reeves announced Friday.
The other three recipients are East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in Florida; and the St. Louis Police Department, according to the Justice Department. The department announced only the combined total and did not say how much each jurisdiction will receive.
According to the Governor’s office, the city intends to use the funds to expand its use of technology for faster deployment of law enforcement and stronger criminal investigations, and to conduct targeted preventive work to address recidivism and homelessness.
“Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Blanche for choosing to invest in our crime fighting efforts in Jackson, Mississippi, with the awarding of this Model Cities Initiative grant from the Department of Justice,” Reeves said.
Reeves credited the city’s leadership with pursuing the award. “I’m thankful Mayor Horhn and his team recognized the opportunity this grant affords our capital city, and I appreciate everyone who supported the effort!” he said.
The Justice Department said it will work with each jurisdiction to finalize and implement its public safety plan. Under the initiative, funding may be used to hire sworn and non-sworn officers and other personnel for enforcement, prosecution and related public safety work; adopt new technology; buy or lease equipment; expand forensic capacity; and provide mental health and substance use services intended to reduce recidivism.
“As violent crime rates continue to fall to historic lows, the Department of Justice is redoubling our efforts,” Attorney General Todd Blanche said in the department’s announcement.
Blanche is expected to visit Jackson in November to present the award.