Billings, Montana – The Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office have been granted a substantial ammount to enhance their operational capabilities. U.S. Attorney for Montana, Jesse Laslovich, announced the awarding of $152,772 in grant funds from the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance.
The grant, part of the FY23 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, aims to provide the necessary supplies and equipment to combat violent crime effectively in the region. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich emphasized the importance of this financial support: “Our top priority in Billings is fighting violent crime and we cannot do this effectively without the brave men and women of the Billings Police Department and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office. They deserve our unwavering support and as far as the U.S. Department of Justice is concerned, we are putting money where our mouth is by providing them this grant to help keep officers safe and protect our community from dangerous criminals.”
The grant represents a collaborative effort between the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, with the former acting as the grant administrator.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office is set to receive $20,611 of the grant, which it plans to use for purchasing various equipment and supplies. These include rechargeable flashlights and charging docks for their detention facility, batteries for tactical robots, the helicopter, and other radios, as well as miscellaneous supplies. Additionally, part of the funds will be allocated to repair hail damage on the helicopter and to acquire a portable radio.
The Billings Police Department will utilize the larger share of $132,161 for a range of necessary items. This includes the procurement of patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, batteries, first aid supplies, and promotional items. These resources are expected to significantly enhance the department’s operational efficiency and effectiveness.
This grant is a crucial step in ensuring that law enforcement agencies in Billings and Yellowstone County are well-equipped to tackle the challenges they face daily. By investing in essential equipment and supplies, the grant not only bolsters the capacity of these departments to fight crime but also demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting law enforcement officials in their efforts to maintain public safety. This initiative is likely to have a positive impact on the community’s overall safety and security, reinforcing the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the region.
