The City of Blackshear and Pierce County each was awarded a state grant to improve public safety.
Gov. Brian Kemp announced the awards last week totaling more than $83 million for 118 qualified projects to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the coronavirus pandemic.
Blackshear received $113,520 to install 20 automated license plate readers (ALPR) cameras and a gunshot detection monitor. The Pierce County Board of Commission was awarded $58,850 for investment in technology to enhance the Sheriff Department’s enforcement and investigative capabilities while expanding collection of relevant data.
The City of Brunswick and the Glynn County Board of Commissioners also were among the muncipalities to receive a grant. Brunswick’s award was $978,450 while Glynn’s totaled $1.245 million for three separate three projects.
“Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” Kemp said in announcing the grants. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we're sending reinforcements to keep hardworking Georgians and their neighborhoods safe.
“From tackling staffing needs to deploying new equipment and technology, these funds are being invested so that our brave first responders have the resources they need to fight back against dangerous criminals.”
In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will be utilized to supplement law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment to address and respond to the rise in community violence resulting from the pandemic.
“Congratulations to the City of Blackshear and the Pierce County Board of Commissioners for receiving the Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant,” said Rep. Steven Meeks, R-Screven, who’s District 178 includes Pierce County. “Our law enforcement officers work hard every day to protect our families and our communities from crime and other violence. We must do all we can to provide the tools necessary for their safety as they serve on the front lines.
“We appreciate Governor Kemp and his support for rural Georgia law enforcement and allowing local communities to decide on how to best use funds to assist law enforcement.”
Added 8th District Sen. Russ Goodman, R-Cogdell: "Congratulations to the City of Blackshear, and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for putting together great public safety grant applications. ... Public safety affects every facet of our lives, from economic development to quality of life, and I’m thankful for the blanket of protection our law enforcement officers provide.
“In South Georgia, we back the blue and appreciate Governor Kemp for doing the same with the recent grants that have been awarded in the 8th Senate District.”
