Delaware To Get $ 4.6 Million In Federal Crime Fighting Funds

Washington, DC — U.S. Senators Joe Biden (D-DE) and Tom Carper (D-DE) and Congressman Mike Castle (R-DE) announced today that Delaware will receive more than $4.6 million in federal funds to help streamline the state’s criminal justice system and to enhance outreach and compensation to victims of violent crime. The funds come from three separate federal programs, and are divided as follows: $2.3 million under the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program; $1.4 million from the Victims of Crime Act; and $859,000 for the Delaware Violent Crime Compensation Board. In Delaware, the Byrne grant money will fund case processing for the Attorney General’s office and for the Public Defender’s office, help support a wide range of drug prevention programs and Police Athletic League mentoring programs, and reentry programs for recently paroled inmates. The other two grants are specifically earmarked to reimburse victims of violent crime for medical expenses related to the crime, and to help pay for counseling, legal assistance and housing, if necessary. “This money is extremely important to Delaware’s law enforcement and criminal justice communities, particularly at a time when budgets are tight and resources are stretched,” said Senator Biden. “As we wage the war on terrorism, we can’t forget the victims of crime right here in our own backyards.” “Helping victims of violent crime, supporting drug abuse prevention programs and Police Athletic League mentoring programs are critical steps to improving the quality of life in our communities,” Sen. Carper said. “Violent crime on our streets is an unfortunate reality that deserves a significant federal commitment,” said Congressman Castle. “This funding, which will help our first responders fight crime and protect victims from crime, is part of a comprehensive approach to increasing safety in our communities.”