Baton Rouge Reporter

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves has announced the allocation of seven grants aimed at enhancing and expanding law enforcement capabilities in Louisiana. These grants, awarded by the Department of Justice, total $10 million. The largest portion, $3,893,810, is designated for statewide efforts to identify, arrest, and reduce violent gangs and drug dealers.

Graves emphasized the importance of community safety in his statement: “We want to live and raise our kids in safe communities, but crime is one of the top reasons folks leave Louisiana. We shouldn’t have to look over our shoulders in our own driveways while unloading groceries or wonder if our car windows will be smashed in broad daylight while at work or attending an event."

He further criticized current federal measures against illegal substances: "The Biden Administration must do more to stop the rush of illegal substances – like fentanyl – from inundating our communities. Until we get a handle on our southern border, drug-related crime will continue to be a threat.”

Specific allocations within Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District include $312,708 for the Louisiana State Police to expedite forensic evidence processing and eliminate backlogs. This funding also supports training and employment of forensic laboratory personnel. Previously, Graves secured congressional funding for an additional DNA processing center in the Capitol Region.

Terrebonne Parish will receive $320,721 to develop programs addressing the overdose crisis and an additional $20,395 for new technology systems aiding crime prevention and case solving. Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is allocated $41,007 for initiatives targeting gun crimes and violent offenders.

The Louisiana State Police are set to receive two significant grants: $3,418,156 for the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program and $2,000,000 for the Anti-Methamphetamine Program.