Tom Harkin: Over $280,000 In Drug Fighting Money Coming To Scott County, Iowa

Bettendorf and Davenport to use funds for police support

August 21, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that Scott County received $288,261 to fight crime from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Harkin has been a steadfast supporter of the Byrne grant program that funds many drug fighting initiatives across the state.

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“Byrne grants are critical to efforts aimed at protecting Iowa’s neighborhoods and communities against crime and drug problems like methamphetamine use,” said Harkin. “By targeting illegal drug activity, these funds give law enforcement officials in Scott County additional resources to strike at one of the major factors behind crime in Iowa and across America.”

Scott County, Bettendorf and Davenport will use this money to fund salaries and benefits for three officers who are attached to the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group – Hotel and Motel Interdiction Unit multi-jurisdictional task force. This multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional narcotics unit includes undercover officers and drug interdiction operations.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives for any of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; and 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.

While President Bush has repeatedly attempted to cut Byrne grant funding in recent years, Harkin has led the fight in Congress to ensure Iowa receives the support it needs to combat meth. Iowa law enforcement officials have repeatedly told Harkin that Byrne grants are instrumental to their fight against meth.

Source: Senator Tom Harkin