Cassidy Announces Huge Win for East Baton Rouge Parish, Secures Tens of Million from DOJ

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) helped secure tens of million in funding from the Department of Justice’s Model Cities Initiative (MCI), becoming only 1 of 4 cities selected nationwide. MCI will support a range of activities to restore rule of law to America’s cities, ensuring the safety of all Americans. Cassidy worked with East Baton Rouge Parish leaders to submit an application proposing how the city will use the awarded money strategically to improve law enforcement engagement, training development, and victim services, among others. “Anytime a city receives tens of millions to make it a safer, better place to be, that is fantastic news. I look forward to this money helping Baton Rouge, but also as a model to other communities as well. Compliments to the mayor, the district attorney, and others for entering a winning application. I am proud to have supported their effort.,” said Dr. Cassidy. Read about the activities supported by the MCI initiative below or full article here : Hiring and retention of sworn and non-sworn personnel directly engaged in or supporting violent crime reduction efforts. Purchase or lease of equipment, tools, or technology that reduce crime and restore law and order including but not limited to real-time crime centers; forensic and DNA tools; body-worn cameras; license plate readers; artificial intelligence systems; small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS; ballistic identification systems; and information technology upgrades. Training and professional development that support intelligence-led policing, violent crime investigations, crisis response, correctional practices that strengthen reentry outcomes, and coordination with state and federal law enforcement partners. Facility costs including lease, rental, or renovation expenses for space directly used in program operations, such as service delivery sites, training facilities, real-time crime centers, or intelligence analysis centers. Mental health and substance use services that directly support prevention, crisis response, screening and early intervention, treatment, case management, and related services addressing issues linked to public safety outcomes, including services provided in correctional facilities and in the community. Reentry, transitional support, and recidivism reduction programs and services designed to reduce repeat offending, support transitions from custody, and promote successful reintegration into communities, including operational costs for country jails and state prisons that support reentry preparation. Victim services for American victims of crime, including, emergency assistance, case management, shelter and temporary housing, medical and dental care, advocacy, transportation, childcare, legal services, and employment assistance. Youth crime prevention and intervention services that address risk factors for juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression programs. Background The Department of Justice previously announced their Model Cities Initiative, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Make America Safe Again Mission, taking a whole-of-city approach at crime reduction and law and order. The initiative aims to direct $300 million in funding to up to four cities in America. ###