Bellingham PD Awarded JAG Funding

The Bellingham Police Department was one of 130 police departments from across the state that was awarded funding made possible by the Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. 

The Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program is a federal grant awarded by the Department of Justice to the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). As the State Administering Agency (SAA), OGR designs competitive grant opportunities and distributes JAG funds with a focus on meeting the needs of local communities. 

The Bellingham Police Department is set to receive $49,381.20 from this grant process. As part of the competitive grant process, the Bellingham Police Department submitted proposals in early 2023. Grant reviewers identified projects that aligned with specific priority areas, including strategies to address unlawful drug use, human trafficking, domestic violence, sexual assault, gang and gun violence, missing person cases, and hate crimes. Additional priorities funded by this grant include technology upgrades, investigative tools and protective gear, school safety and security, and efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities.

“I am excited to see the Bellingham Police Department receive this funding,” said State Representative Soter. “I am glad that the police department will be able to take advantage of these federal funds to help address some immediate concerns that they are facing. This grant funding will help to make our community safer!”

“The Bellingham Police Department is grateful for the Byrne JAG grant award issued to us by the Commonwealth,” Bellingham Police Chief Ken Fitzgerald. “These funds will be used to supplement local funding to help us secure updated less lethal technology and equipment to properly equip our staff. This will enhance our ability to properly respond to and manage dangerous or critical incidents and give our staff another potential De-escalation tool.”