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August 4, 2021

HPD Application For Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

The Houston Police Department/City of Houston is providing the public an opportunity to view and comment on its application to the U.S. Department of Justice for a grant through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) program. HPD is applying for this grant jointly with the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) for grant funding of $2,607,959 which will be split between HPD and HCSO.

HPD will use its portion of the grant funding for eight civilian support personnel: six positions in the Technology Services group, one in the Office of Budget and Finance and one in the Victim Services Unit. The Technology Services employees provide critical support in implementing and supporting computer systems across the Houston Police Department. Due to the high level of security and maintenance for law enforcement systems, technology specialists are needed to monitor and maintain servers, desktops, and LAN based applications. The position in the Office of Budget and Finance will provide financial services and professional oversight of various grants administered by the Houston Police Department. The position in the Victim Services Unit will handle call routing and be first contact for victims and visitors to the Victim Services Division. This position will also provide clerical support to the advocates. Additionally, the grant will provide funding for targeted law enforcement overtime for patrol in high crime areas where police presence and visibility make a difference on criminal activity.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office will utilize its funding toward overtime, equipment, supplies and training.

The application can be viewed at https://www.houstontx.gov/police/pdfs/justice-assistance-grant-application.pdf. Comments may be forwarded to HPD's Grants Division via email at grants@houstonpolice.org. The deadline is Friday, September 3, 2021.