The Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission has approved more than $722,000 in federally funded grants to support anti-crime initiatives, prison security upgrades, and youth summer programs across the territory, the commission announced in a press release.
The grants will benefit the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Bureau of Corrections, and four nonprofit organizations: My Brother’s Workshop, Imala Academy, Lion Haven St. Croix Community Center, and the Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands, according to LEPC Director Moleto A. Smith Jr., according to the press release.
“This funding approval provides critical resources to support VIPD combat crime in Frederiksted Town, St. Croix through purchasing and installing cameras, in addition to obtaining critical operational equipment for the VIPD Marine Unit,” Smith said.
The Bureau of Corrections will use its allocation to enhance security at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility and expand its residential substance abuse treatment programs, the press release stated.
A total of $240,000 is designated for summer crime prevention programs run by the four nonprofit organizations. “LEPC is committed to supporting eligible community-based nonprofit organizations that align with our safe communities strategy,” Smith said.
The funding comes through the U.S. Justice Department’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants Program and the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Program. LEPC, which administers federal DOJ grants in the Virgin Islands, issued requests for proposals and awarded funding based on reviews conducted by its team and an independent review committee, the release stated.
“LEPC is committed to advancing Governor Albert Bryan’s vision of safe communities throughout the Virgin Islands,” Smith said. “The approval of these important federal funds to support law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations is another significant step in our comprehensive three-part strategic approach.”
That approach includes establishing a territorial criminal justice data repository, strengthening the system by identifying and addressing service gaps, and aligning resources to sustainably support safety across the Virgin Islands, the release stated.
LEPC will continue to support justice-focused initiatives through collaboration, technical assistance, and resource alignment, Smith added.
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