BRAINTREE, Mass. — State officials have awarded more than $2 million in federal funding to help local police departments and state agencies prevent firearm deaths and injuries across Massachusetts.
The grants mark the first funds awarded in Massachusetts through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program, Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement on Friday.
The program is funded through the Department of Justice and administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research.
In total, approximately $2,018,800 in federal funds will be invested in crisis intervention and gun violence prevention efforts across the state, Healey said.
“Responding to the complex issue of gun violence requires both public safety and public health interventions,” Healey said. “These grants support evidence-based efforts to prevent firearm injuries and deaths, increase crisis intervention training for law enforcement and improve the safety of Massachusetts communities. The funds complement our administration’s commitment to holistic approaches to public safety and reducing gun deaths.”
The grant funds will support initiatives including suicide prevention training for veteran service officers, crisis intervention and de-escalation training for local police, outreach regarding Extreme Risk Protection Orders and youth violence prevention programs.
Under the conditions of the federal program, the funds may not be used for the purpose of enforcement activities, officials said.
Award recipients will receive technical assistance and other support from Northeastern University, which was chosen as a “Statewide Research Partner” through a competitive application process, officials said. The school has been awarded $150,000 in grant money.
Funded agencies will also receive ongoing grant management and reporting assistance from program coordinators assigned to the state OGR’s Justice and Prevention Division.
“No single approach can effectively address the complex issue of gun violence. This vital funding supports a comprehensive strategy tailored to meet the diverse needs of our communities,” Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy said in a statement.
“Investments in prevention, intervention and education are essential to building stronger, safer communities with the tools needed to address the root causes of gun violence,” Reidy said.
The following police departments were awarded Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program for Municipal Law Enforcement funds:
Abington Police Department, $87,032
Braintree Police Department, $149,795
Chelsea Police Department, $150,000
East Brookfield Police Department, $16,335
Holyoke Police Department, $84,458
Lawrence Police Department, $150,000
Leominster Police Department, $129,849
Littleton Police Department, $67,629
Lowell Police Department, $109,314
Randolph Police Department, $149,943
Salem Police Department, $87,285
Sterling Police Department, $87,091
Worcester Police Department, $144,224
The following agencies were awarded Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program for State Agencies funding:
Cape & Islands District Attorney’s Office, $129,420
Executive Office of Veterans Services, $149,316
Hampden County District Attorney, $72,106
University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth Campus Police, $105,000
“Massachusetts is a national leader in reducing firearm deaths. These grants will support and enhance efforts across Massachusetts to save lives and prevent acts of gun violence,” Office of Grants and Research Executive Director Kevin Stanton said in a statement.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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