Blog Post

$2.1M in Criminal Justice Grants Allocated to Improve Public Safety and Support Victims of Crime in East Texas

Criminal Justice Program • Dec 03, 2020

Twenty-Nine (29) Public Safety Grants Approved for East Texas

ETCOG announces $2.1 million in grants from the Office of the Governor's (OOG) Criminal Justice Division awarded East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits to improve public safety and support victims of crime. This funding program has a mission to support those who make Texas a safer place and those who help victims of crime to recover and feel safe again through programs that:
  • Prevent and intervene in juvenile delinquency
  • Provide services to victims of crime and address violence against women
  • Support law enforcement and improve the criminal justice system
  • Support Crime Stoppers organizations
  • Prevent child sex trafficking, bring justice to its perpetrators, and restore its victims
ETCOG's Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually, and applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local subject matter experts from across the region.

The following Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, and Juvenile Assistance grants totaling $2,180,158.85 have been approved by the OOG for funding in East Texas:

Victims of Crime Act Funds - $1,553,489.57 
The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to provide direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and to navigate the justice system.

Justice Assistance Grants - $316,426.38

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) promotes public safety efforts, crime reduction, and system improvements.


Violence Against Women Act Funds - $207,243.90

The STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program (VAWA) supports victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking through staff training, prevention and awareness, data collection, legal assistance, and treatment for trauma. 


Juvenile Assistance Grants - $102,999.00

The Criminal Justice Planning Fund No. 421 (SF-421) fills in the gaps throughout all areas of the criminal justice system and supports innovative concepts and best practices to achieve a safer Texas for all citizens.


"Every year, the Office of the Governor solicits Criminal Justice funding opportunities which are invaluable to the region. Criminal Justice funding helps multiple agencies like law enforcement, local nonprofits, District Attorney offices, Juvenile Probation Departments, and victims of crime. This funding is essential to enable our law enforcement to serve East Texas better," said ETCOG's Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner.

Large black and white trailer used for emergency management

Regional Exercise to Test Interoperability Communications Among First Responders in East Texas

By East Texas Council of Governments • 30 Apr, 2024
Texas first responders are gearing up for a communication training that will address communications interoperability during emergencies. Coordinated by the East Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Division of Emergency Management, this workshop marks a collaborative effort to bolster emergency communication systems and emphasize the importance of seamless communications in crisis situations. Over three days, from May 17th to May 19th, participants from various sectors will engage in radio communication tests, workshops on technological advancements, and discussion on the future of emergency communications. The exercise will kick off at the Tyler Junior College West Campus before transitioning to operational platforms for real-world testing. Interested participants are encouraged to register for the event at www.preparingtexas.org and search for “Regional Communications” in the main search bar to join the collective effort to enhance public safety communication across Texas and the East Texas region.
female dispatcher looking at 911 address map

ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

By East Texas Council of Governments • 03 Jan, 2024
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) has extended its 9-1-1 addressing program to Cherokee County, enhancing emergency response capabilities for the region.
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