Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today announced that local law enforcement agencies in Scott County will receive $100,575 to support their efforts to prevent crime, keep our families and communities safe, and keep drugs off the street. The funds come from the Department of Justice's Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program, which is the only source of federal funding for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces that work to prevent, fight and prosecute drug-related and violent crime. The funding will be used to reduce the amount of illegal narcotics available to the public and to identify and arrest those who distribute and manufacture illegal narcotics.
"I have long been a supporter of Byrne JAG because it supports law enforcement agencies in their efforts to keep Iowa families safe," said Loebsack. "I have met with our local law enforcement officers many times, and have always been impressed with their dedication to protecting our communities and keeping our streets drug free. I will continue to fight to ensure that Iowa's law enforcement officers have the resources they need to serve our communities."
In 2008, Loebsack led the successful bipartisan effort in the House of Representatives to prevent Byrne JAG from being eliminated and has long been a strong supporter of this program. That effort was supported by the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff's Association and the National District Attorney's Association, amongst others.
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