Rep. Johnson cosponsors "Shield Our Streets Act" to fight crime in Fourth District, nation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) announced he is cosponsoring H.R. 4098, the “Shield Our Streets Act,” which would allow local law enforcement agencies to hire new officers, rehire officers who have been laid off due to budget cuts and invest in new public safety equipment.
As a result of state cuts, local governments face dwindling law enforcement budgets and police department resources are being stretched thin in order to make up the difference.
“During another difficult budget year at home, I want to ensure public safety officials in the district have the resources they need to protect citizens,” said Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee. “I'm proud to stand with law enforcement officers who are on the front lines keeping our community safe.”
While DeKalb County has not yet cut officer positions during difficult budget tightening, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis welcomed Congressman Johnson’s efforts to provide new federal funding to assist local law enforcement going forward.
“As a former county commissioner, Congressman Johnson knows all too well the importance funding local public safety,” said Ellis. “Protecting our citizens is the top priority of local governments, but it costs money. I look forward to supporting Congressman Johnson in his efforts to secure funding to keep our communities safe.”
DeKalb District Attorney Robert James welcomed the possibility of additional grants.
“Congressman Johnson understands how crucial it is to take care of increased public safety needs,” said James. “The Shield Our Streets Act will be an essential means of getting more resources to fund crime-prevention programs and needed technology enhancements.”
Ranking member Conyers urged the House Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on the legislation.
“Police officers are on the front lines in the fight against crime, and we need to do even more to ensure local law enforcement agencies are sufficiently staffed with officers and sheriffs,” he said. “Local governments also need the funding and flexibility to pay for crime fighting equipment and programs which they identify as priority needs.”
The Shield Police Hiring and Public Safety Enhancement Grants:
► The Shield Police Hiring Grants would establish an Attorney General grant program that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies that operate in Elevated Need Localities, which is defined as a county (or unit of local government) which (1) has a crime rate above the national average, and (2) has had budget reductions during the most recent 5-year period. Grants would last for three years and may be extended by two years at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.
► The Shield Public Safety Enhancement Grants to provide grants to purchase public safety equipment, fund public safety programs, make infrastructure improvements for the purpose of enhancing public safety, purchase and install street lights to deter crime, fund activities related to crime labs, and fund public defender programs. Non-profit organizations operating in Elevated Need Localities may also apply for grants under this program to fund initiatives designed to reduce crime in these jurisdictions. Grants would be for one year but may be extended at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.
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