ISP To Receive Federal Funds To Combat Drugs

Washington, DC â??The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded the Idaho State Police just over $3 million for 53 separate programs aimed at combating drugs and drug-related crimes, according to Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. â??This is terrific news for the ISP, and its continued drug-fighting efforts. The programs receiving the bulk of the funds, the multi-jurisdictional Task Force and the Public Correctional Resources program will benefit from the added financial resources aimed at improving program effectiveness,â?? said Crapo.â??Drug abuse and drug-related crimes are a serious problem in Idaho. This federal funding will enable state officials to direct money to programs they have determined are the most effective in fighting the drug problems in Idaho,â?? continued Crapo. â??The multi-jurisdictional focus of the grant will enhance efforts by the ISP to maximize community collaboration in the war against drugs.â??According to the Idaho State Police, the grant has been used to support up to 55 multi-jurisdictional task forces since 1988. Drug Free Idaho used funding under this grant to provide support and expertise to implement drug-free workplaces in Idaho businesses across the state. Money also has been directed to support victims of crime during the post-adjudication phase of the criminal justice system. Forensic lab enhancements have been made possible by the availability of these funds as well.The grant of $3,181,951 was awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial State & Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program. Funding was originally established under the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this program was established to assist states and local governments in implementing specific programs that enhance and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system. Awarding criteria focused on programs targeted at controlling violent and drug-related crime and serious offenders, as well as programs which foster multijurisdictional and multistate efforts to support national drug-control priorities. # # #