The city of Brownwood will receive a grant of $12,193 from the Department of Justice to help prevent crime based on local needs and conditions, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced Wednesday. The funding comes through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).

“These funds will equip local law enforcement with the necessary resources to crack down on crime in the area,” said Sen. Cornyn. “Having the proper tools to fight crime is critical to keeping our communities safe, and I applaud the local leaders for working to secure this funding.”

The city of Brownwood will use grant funds will purchase mobile radios for the police vehicles. The alpha mobile radios have DES digital encryption which will enable officers to enhance public safety ability. Brown County will use their share to improve the quality of radio communications for the Sheriff’s Office by purchasing equipment.

The JAG Program allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice.