U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is commending a Department of Justice (DOJ) allocation of $201,480 to Camden County to fund local community policing initiatives in south Jersey.
The grant, awarded through the DOJ’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, would provide local law enforcement with resources to continue protecting families and building trust in the communities they serve.
“Camden City has become a leader in community policing, and seen crime rates plummet as a result,” Norcross said. “This allows Camden County law enforcement to maintain and expand innovative evidence-based strategies to make south Jersey a safer place for families. I’ll continue working in Congress to ensure our first responders have the resources they need to protect and serve.”
The funds will enable technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, per the agreement.
“Since we began focusing on community policing back in 2014, we’ve seen a remarkable transformation here in Camden City as far as crime and quality of life goes,” Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez said. “It’s crucial for us to have the necessary tools to continue this progress, and I commend Congressman Norcross for his tireless efforts in Washington to ultimately benefit our residents and our community.”
Earlier this year, Norcross supported a comprehensive public safety package, including funding for violence prevention programs, de-escalation training resources, and funds to train and dispatch mental health professionals.