Blog Post

$4.5M in Public Safety Grants Approved for East Texas Region

East Texas Council of Governments • Jan 18, 2023

Thirty-eight Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Grant Projects Funded to Improve Public Safety and Support Victims of Crime

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $4.5 million in grants from the Governor's Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. The Governor's Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism, and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans.


ETCOG's Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and Homeland Security Advisory Committee, which includes local subject matter experts from across the region.


The Governor's Office has approved a total of $4,594,151.92 for funding the Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, Juvenile Assistance, and Homeland Security grants in East Texas.
 

Victims of Crime Act Funds - $2,764,321.37
The Crime Victims Assistance Grant Program (VOCA) devotes resources to providing direct services to victims of crime to help them recover and to navigate the justice system.


Justice Assistance Grants - $343,036.06

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


Violence Against Women Act Funds - $126,453.56

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 - $48,192.00

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.


State Homeland Security Program – $1,262,719.98

The Office of the Governor's (OOG) Homeland Security Grants Division awards projects which prevent terrorism and improve security.


"Every year, the Office of the Governor funds opportunities that are invaluable to the ETCOG region. Funding received helps jurisdictions, nonprofits, district attorney offices, juvenile probation departments, and higher education institutions. Funding also allows agencies to provide resources, equip, sustain, and better serve East Texas," 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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