Members Applaud City of Springfield's Commitment to Innovative Criminal Justice Programs

WASHINGTON, DC The Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the City of Springfield a $1,000,000 grant under the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) Program to improve public safety through communitybased partnerships. Members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation praised the award and the city's efforts to reduce crime.

"This criminal justice grant is great news for Springfield," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "I applaud Mayor Sarno, Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet and the city's public safety officials for their ongoing commitment to making our neighborhoods safer. This funding will help support Springfield's innovative efforts to reduce crime and protect our communities."

"This Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program grant is testament to the leadership of Mayor Sarno, Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet and the entire Springfield public safety community, and I commend them for their dedication to making our streets and communities safer," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "This funding will support important work being done to reduce gang violence, increase agency coordination and educate the public about vital law enforcement duties."

"I believe the men and women of the Springfield Police Department deserve the resources necessary to do their job effectively. Each day they put their life on the line keeping both our community and its citizens safe. This federal grant is another tool that will help them continue to fight and reduce crime," said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

The BCJI Program is focused on addressing crime with communityoriented strategies in targeted areas where crime is most occurring, and seeks to build the capacity of communities to deter future crime. More information about BCJI is available on DOJ's website here.

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Lacey Rose (Warren), 2022242292
Giselle Barry (Markey) 2022242742
Billy Tranghese (Neal), 2022250612