Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced today that criminal justice agencies across the state will receive $1.2 million in federal grants to strengthen anti-drug and crime fighting efforts. The funding is made possible through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) Program.

Byrne JAG funds support all aspects of the criminal justice system, and this year's awards focus on technology enhancements.

Snyder said "protecting Michigan citizens is a top priority and these grants will go a long way toward improving the technology and tools that support our public safety community."

Agencies receiving funding have until July 31, 2013, to spend their awards. A complete list of awarded programs, as well as grant criteria, is available at: www.michigan.gov/cigrants.

Byrne JAG grants are named in honor of New York City Police Officer Edward Byrne. Byrne was fatally shot by drug traffickers in 1988, while on assignment protecting a witness in a drug case.

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