FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2001
CONTACT: SID GAULDEN, (803) 896-8755

HODGES ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO
ASSIST LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

(Columbia) -- Gov. Jim Hodges announced grants to state and local units of government to improve law enforcement capabilities. These Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG) will provide equipment to help law enforcement officers to perform basic duties.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Office of Justice Programs will administer this grant program on behalf of the Governor's Office.

"We must be sure that our officers have the equipment to fight crime," Gov. Hodges said in making his announcement. "These grants will ensure that some of our smaller departments have the tools to apprehend criminals and protect the public."

These grants are funded through the $357,995 awarded to the state by the U.S. Department of Justice LLEBG Program. Under federal guidelines, agencies may use these funds for such purposes as hiring and training law enforcement officers and support personnel, paying overtime to law enforcement officers, purchasing equipment, enhancing security measures in and around schools, establishing and supporting drug courts, enhancing the adjudication of violent offenders, establishing multijurisdictional task forces, establishing crime prevention programs and defraying the cost of indemnification insurance for law enforcement officers. The following received grants:

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125/OJP/SG/2001

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