LAKEWOOD ~ Lakewood, CO - Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) have announced the availability of $3.3 million in funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. This program aims to support state and local initiatives that prevent and reduce crime, enhance public safety, and promote a fair and effective criminal justice system.

The application deadline for this funding is March 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM MST, with the funding period running from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. To assist potential applicants in navigating the online application process, the DCJ team will be hosting a virtual training session on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 1:00-2:25 PM MST via Zoom. A recording of this training will also be made available for those unable to attend.

Governor Polis expressed his enthusiasm for this funding opportunity stating, "I'm excited to see this funding make our communities safer. To make Colorado safer I strongly support efforts around Colorado to prevent and reduce crime like this investment will do. These investments will build on our work to crack down on crime and make Colorado one of the ten safest states."

The Governor's proposed budget for FY 2025-26 prioritizes making Colorado a Top Ten Safest State through various strategies such as supporting law enforcement and community-based violence prevention work. This includes proposals for $15 million to support and sustain Colorado's emergency operational communications dispatching system; $7.6 million to convert and increase the number of beds in the Division of Youth Services; $4.4 million for grants to local governments and law enforcement entities for physical infrastructure and security improvements; $3 million in grants to community-based organizations to reduce youth delinquency; and $0.9 million for legislative changes aimed at making Colorado safer.

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The JAG Program provides crucial support for state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations involved in public safety efforts. From addressing substance use and behavioral health challenges to implementing innovative reentry programs, this funding equips communities with the necessary tools to create lasting change.

Matthew Lunn, director of the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, emphasized the importance of these grants stating, "These grants are a vital tool in our commitment to making Colorado communities safer, stronger, and more inclusive. By supporting local leaders and organizations, we can address critical challenges and ensure every Coloradan has the opportunity to thrive."

The JAG funds can be used for programs and initiatives in various areas such as law enforcement, prosecution, courts, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning and evaluation, technology improvement, crime victims and witness protection, mental health programs, and implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings.

Chief Bob Dalley of DeBeque Marshal also highlighted the significance of this funding stating that it represents an investment in public safety that pays dividends for all Coloradans. He encouraged federal legislators to continue their support for this crucial program to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the state.

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The JAG Program is placing a particular emphasis on projects that promote equity and inclusion by addressing the needs of underserved communities. It also aims to expand behavioral health resources to prevent crime related to mental health and substance use while strengthening community-based violence intervention strategies.

Eligible applicants for this funding include municipalities, counties, tribal governments, and nonprofits involved in public safety or criminal justice efforts. In 2024, the Governor-Appointed Justice Assistance Grant Board approved 48 projects totaling $3.6 million in funding. Of these projects, three were at the state level totaling $298,592 while the remaining 45 projects totaling $3.3 million were awarded to local projects.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the DCJ's JAG Program web page for detailed application instructions, program requirements, and helpful resources. With this funding, the state of Colorado is taking significant steps towards creating safer and more inclusive communities for all its residents.

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