(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) announced the availability of $4 million in grant funding to help local law enforcement agencies implement new violent crime reduction strategies in their communities.
Since the launch of the Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant Program in 2021, over $81 million has been awarded to 175 local law enforcement agencies for targeted programs and technology that aid in preventing and solving incidents of violent crime.
The Ohio Violent Crime Reduction Grant application is available via the OCJS website. A webinar for interested applicants is scheduled for Feb. 24. The application deadline is March 19 at 5 p.m.
Funding awarded through the grant program can be used toward creating, implementing, and/or expanding proven or promising violent crime reduction initiatives to address adult and/or juvenile violent crime such as place network investigations, focused deterrence, hot-spot policing, and crime gun intelligence centers. Grants can also be used toward technology, equipment, training, technical assistance, analytical tools/support, and overtime costs related to implementing crime reduction strategies.
OCJS strongly encourages all potential applicants to review the webinar that outlines strategies specific to violent crime reduction, Reducing Violent Crime: Strategies and Funding Opportunities for Law Enforcement. Additional evidence-based programs and practices can be found at ocjs.ohio.gov. Agencies that wish to apply for this funding must be prepared with a proposed strategy that fits their community’s needs in advance of the application.