This year the program awarded more than $6 million to 78 applicants across the state to improve our communities.
"It is critical that we work together to protect our Kansas communities. I am pleased this program allows us to put needed funding behind essential safety initiatives," Governor Sebelius said.
The Federal BYRNE grant program is a partnership among federal, state and local governments to create safer communities and improve criminal justice systems. The grant is awarded by the U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). BJA is authorized to award grants to states for use by state and local units of government to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, with emphasis on violent and juvenile crimes and drug-related crimes. The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, created by the 1994 Legislature, reviews all Kansas requests for BYRNE grants.
Grants may be used to provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance and information systems for more widespread apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention and rehabilitation of offenders who violate state and local laws.
Governor Sebelius also announced the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) was awarded funds from the Federal Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant program. This program assists state government in paying 50% of the cost of the vests. This grant award, totaling over $10,000, will be used for vests for the KHP.
For a full list of recipients of the 2005 BYRNE grant program click here.
