By Trish Svoboda

Governor Laura Kelly has announced the allocation of over $2.3 million to 28 Kansas agencies to enhance the criminal justice system and provide increased support services for crime victims.

Governor Kelly stated in the release, “These investments into our criminal justice system and crime victims service programs will make our communities safer. These grants provide the funding necessary to strengthen crime prevention and crime victims services, address equipment and technology needs, and support mental health services.”

The funding is from the 2024 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Oversight of the federal funding allocated to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice is carried out by the Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC). The council’s membership consists of the Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Attorney General, Secretary of Corrections, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

The total award amounts to $2,344,580.