The funds are allocated as follows: • $2,030,000 for the Maine Department of Human Services to enhance crime victims services in the State • $14,620 for the Westbrook Fire Rescue Department • $3,700 for the Ashland Police Department
"These federal funds are critical to enhancing the ongoing efforts of both state and community groups to lower crime, improve victims' services, and enhance emergency responder operations throughout Maine," Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.
Funding awarded to the Maine Department of Human Services was given through the Crime Victims Fund (the Fund). The Fund was established by the 1984 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), supports programs that significantly impact the lives of more than 4.2 million crime victims each year. Since its inception, the Fund has been supported not by tax dollars but by fines, penalty assessments, and bond forfeitures collected form convicted federal offenders. Legislation passed in 2001 allows the Fund to also receive gifts, donations, and bequests from private entities. OVC distributes money deposited into the Fund directly to states to support state compensation and assistance services for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, drunk driving, homicide, and other crimes.
Funding given to the Westbrook Fire Rescue Department and Ashland Police Department was provided through the Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). CEDAP provides smaller law enforcement and emergency responder agencies with equipment items that will enhance and support regional response, mutual aid, and interoperability of responder equipment. CEDAP recognizes the importance of new equipment education and training to ensure the proper operation and deployment of the equipment. Therefore, attendance at a training session is required prior to receipt of the equipment. CEDAP provides travel, lodging, and a limited per diem for one representative from each agency or jurisdiction.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) aims to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; to administer and enforce the Nation''s immigration laws fairly and effectively; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
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