Governor invites local law enforcement to apply for $1 million federal grant

CHICAGO ­— Governor Rod Blagojevich announced today that the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) will be accepting proposals from local law enforcement agencies to participate in a $1 million federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grants (LLEBG). The grant funds will be used by local police departments to purchase equipment that enhances public and officer safety.

 

Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 will be made to police and sheriff's departments for the purchase of vehicles, in-car computers, in-car communication systems/radios, and in-car video systems.

 

"Gov. Blagojevich has pledged to do his utmost to improve public safety in Illinois, and these awards for basic equipment such as squad cars and communications systems will provide a significant boost to the safety of officers and the public in small cities and towns throughout the state," said Authority Executive Director Lori G. Levin.

 

Priority this year will be given to those local agencies that have not received LLEBG funding and to those local law enforcement requesting radio/communications equipment. ICJIA will be notifying Illinois police and sheriffs departments about applying for the grants. Information on the LLEBG program also is available on the Authority's website, www.icjia.state.il.us. The deadline for proposals is February 20. Grants will be award in the Spring.