United States Attorney Jenny A. Durkan
Western District of Washington
Justice Department Grants to Enhance Law Enforcement, Combat Child Sex Trafficking And Provide Drug Treatment
$2.4 Million in Federal Funds to Respond to Threats to Community Safety
U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice is providing significant federal funding for key programs in the areas of human trafficking, prescription drug abuse and officer safety initiatives. This round of grants follows more than $5 million announced last week for local law enforcement.
“Combating human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children is a top priority in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Durkan. “My office and the Seattle Police Department have led a very effective task force focused on rescuing victims of trafficking and prosecuting those who prey upon these vulnerable victims.”
The Seattle Police Department is receiving $792,000 to support its efforts against human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
Other police departments receiving grant funding include:
- Seattle Police/King County Sheriff’s Department - $539,315 for crime prevention officers and case management equipment.
- Tacoma Police/Pierce County Sheriff - $399,306 for court operations and drug treatment programs.
- Kitsap County Sheriff - $81,735 for a community resource officer.
- Bellevue Police - $19,748 for tactical ballistic vests
- Mason County Sheriff - $17,301 for patrol car software to enhance emergency communications.
In addition, University Place, Tukwila, Mt. Vernon, Lacy and Des Moines received grants for technology upgrades and other needs.
Both Snohomish County and Skagit County are receiving significant funding for their drug abuse treatment efforts. Snohomish County is receiving $550,000 to expand its Family Drug Court Program. The program provides treatment and other services to addicted parents to stop child abuse and neglect. An additional $200,000 has been awarded to Snohomish County to enhance treatment services offered to non-violent offenders.
Skagit County is receiving a $162,912 grant to expand drug treatment services from felony defendants to those charged with misdemeanors or repeated drunk driving.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs carefully screens proposals in a variety of categories before determining the grant award amounts.
For additional information please contact the Office of Justice Programs Communications Office at (202) 307-0703.
