Chief Paul Nikas shares that the Ipswich Police Department received $30,467 in grant funds through the Edward J. Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
The grant funding, allocated by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Office of Grants and Research (OGR), was awarded to law enforcement agencies statewide to address public safety priorities.
Ipswich Police will use the grant funding for a camera system for its cruisers, which will increase transparency and public trust, assist in collection of evidence, and increase officer safety.
Funding also will be used to upgrade police radios. Ipswich officers cover a large geographical area, so updated radios will address gaps in communications needs while enhancing officer and resident safety during a response.
Nearly $5 million in funds was awarded to 130 police departments across the state to address specific priority areas such as unlawful drug use, domestic violence, gun violence, missing person cases, and hate crimes. The grant also funded projects related to technology upgrades, investigative tools and protective gear, school safety and security, and efforts to advance racial equity and support underserved communities.
“This program invests federal funds to make Massachusetts communities safer and stronger,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This program allows towns and cities to identify their most pressing needs and direct funding to address those challenges. The ability of local public safety leaders to guide funds toward priority safety initiatives encourages a holistic approach to improving safety in communities with diverse needs.”