Governor Rell: State Applying for $470,955

In Stimulus Funds to Combat Violent Crime

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has applied for $470,955 in federal stimulus funds that would allow the state to continue its efforts in combating gang violence and taking illegal guns off the street.

The one-year grant would be used to fund four key positions in the Department of Correction that are responsible for providing prison intelligence to regional task forces that address gang and fugitive activity, gun violence and terrorist threats.

“Protecting our citizens and keeping neighborhoods safe demand our continued vigilance and commitment to getting violent criminals off the streets,” Governor Rell said. “These are quality of life issues that clearly affect a community’s economy. My administration will pursue every resource for which we are eligible, particularly in this poor economy, to make sure law enforcement has the tools and information they need.”

The state has applied for a Byrne Memorial Competitive Grants, through the U.S. Department of Justice, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The Bryne grants are aimed at preventing and reducing violent crimes through community-based, data-driven approaches.

The funds would help the Correction Department maintain its presence in:

Hartford Cooperative Shooting Initiative – includes state police, Hartford police officers and inspectors from State’s Attorney Office and Chief State’s Attorney Office. The Governor created this task force in 2008 to reduce violent gun crime in the capital city.

Safe Streets Gang/Fugitive Task Force – includes federal agents and officers from the Ansonia and Hamden police departments. Group addresses gang activity, violent fugitives and drug trafficking in south central and southeastern Connecticut;

Urban Violence Intelligence Task Force – includes Hartford police officers, who use information and assistance from the DOC to combat violent crime in Hartford. Since 2008, the task force has identified nearly 900 gang members, has made 311 arrests and recovered 80 firearms.

Connecticut Intelligence Center – was established after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 and shares information among law enforcement agencies to help predict, prevent and respond terrorist threats.

To view the DOC application or for more information on the ARRA in Connecticut, visit the state’s official stimulus Web site at www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.

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