The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced nearly $300 million in federal funding to four cities to strengthen law enforcement and improve public safety under the Model Cities Initiative.
The DOJ said in an Oct. 30 statement that the cities are Jacksonville, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri. The Model Cities Initiative (MCI) provides funds to implement strategies aimed at reducing crime, which can then be replicated nationwide.
According to the DOJ statement, the funds will go to East Baton Rouge Parish; the City of Jackson; the St. Louis Police Department; and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The funding will support various law enforcement purposes, including hiring personnel for law enforcement and prosecution, enhancing forensic capabilities, buying equipment, and providing services to address substance use and mental health issues….