$61 million targets Nevada crime

Monday, Dec. 17, 2001 | 9:19 a.m.

The U.S. Justice Department has awarded Nevada $61 million to fight crime.

"This $61 million demonstrates our solid commitment to Nevada's significant local efforts," Attorney General John Ashcroft said.

The department announced Friday that Nevada's funding was part of more than $5 billion that was divided among the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories.

The money was awarded through the department's Office of Justice Programs and the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

"This report is a useful tool that allows state and local policymakers to see what federal resources are available within their state to promote public safety," Ashcroft said in a written statement.

The large grants awarded to Nevada were based on a formula using population as a determining factor. Heavily populated states received larger awards. Discretionary grants were also awarded, mostly though a competitive basis to nonprofit or community agencies.

More than $41 million awarded to Nevada went to law enforcement programs that include hiring police officers, training emergency-first responders and purchasing equipment, Justice programs spokeswoman Linda Mansour said.

Another $12.3 million went to a juvenile justice fund that helps prevent delinquency through mentoring and funding child abuse and gang violence programs.

The majority of funding for victims, which was $4.6 million, goes directly to provide compensation and assistance for crime victims or to combat domestic violence. About $3 million was allocated to substance abuse programs, and the remaining $700,000 to community-based initiatives.

"The Justice Department is an active partner with state and local governments and nonprofit agencies in making communities safe places to live and work,"

For more information about Nevada's funding, visit the state Administering Agencies website (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/state.htm).