Justice Department Grants Will Fund Programs to Combat Western Pennsylvania’s Substance Use Crisis and Equip Police with Body-Worn Cameras

PITTSBURGH – U.S. Attorney Cindy K. Chung today announced that local government agencies in four western Pennsylvania counties will receive more than $1.5 million in Department of Justice grants to address substance use disorder (SUD) and to equip police with body-worn cameras.

“Department of Justice grants provide critical funding to support local government initiatives that would be otherwise unaffordable,” said U.S. Attorney Chung. “The grants announced today will support programs aimed at addressing the substance use crisis devastating our communities and at providing police with an important tool that will enhance protection for both officers and citizens.”

Washington County will receive $900,000 to develop a post-booking diversionary initiative that identifies offenders who have tested positive for opioids and opiates after a driving-under-the-influence stop and offers an alternative sentencing option by linking the offender to evidence-based treatment.

Armstrong County will receive $600,001 to implement a Pretrial Diversionary Treatment Program. The program will provide an opportunity to individuals suffering from SUD to work towards rehabilitation, in lieu of criminal charges, if they successfully complete the treatment program.

The Town of McCandless in Allegheny County will receive $36,069 and the City of Hermitage in Mercer County will receive $31,000 to fund body-worn cameras for officers. The body-worn cameras will complement the current use of in-car dash cameras by extending video and audio recording to wherever the officer goes.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims, and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.