“Criminal Justice funding supports multiple agencies, including law enforcement, local nonprofits, District Attorney offices, Juvenile Probation Departments, and victims of crime.”

Stephanie Heffner, East Texas Council of Government’s Public Safety Director

ETCOG announces that $3.1 million in grants from the Office of the Governor’s (OOG) Public Safety Office have been awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations. These funds are aimed at enhancing public safety and supporting victims of crime. The program’s mission is to strengthen Texas communities by supporting initiatives that help victims recover and feel secure while also preventing crime through programs that:

• Prevent juvenile delinquency and support truancy prevention
• Provide services to victims of crime and address violence against women
• Support law enforcement and improve the criminal justice system
• Prevent child sex trafficking, bring justice to its perpetrators, and restore victims

ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually, and applications submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local subject-matter experts from across the region.

The following Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, and Juvenile Assistance grants totaling $3,136,019.36 have been approved by the OOG for funding in East Texas:

Victims of Crime Act Funds – $2,528,962.18
The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to providing direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and navigate the justice system.

Justice Assistance Grants – $276,753.66

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) promotes public safety efforts, crime reduction, and system improvements.

Violence Against Women Act Funds – $235,331.37

The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA) supports victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking through staff training, prevention and awareness, data collection, legal assistance, and treatment for trauma. 

Juvenile Assistance Grants – $94,972.15

The Criminal Justice Planning Fund 421 (SF-421) and Truancy Prevention funding addresses gaps across all areas of the criminal justice system and supports innovative concepts and best practices to achieve a safer Texas for all citizens.

“Every year, the Governor’s Office provides opportunities that are invaluable to the region. Criminal Justice funding supports multiple agencies, including law enforcement, local nonprofits, District Attorney offices, Juvenile Probation Departments, and victims of crime. This funding is essential to enable our law enforcement to serve East Texas better,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner.

Courtesy photos by East Texas Council of Governments