DOJ Selects Four Cities for Violence Prevention Grants
Federal funding will support public safety strategies in Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson, and St. Louis.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Violence
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The Department of Justice has selected Jacksonville, Baton Rouge, Jackson, and St. Louis to receive a portion of nearly $300 million in federal funding. These cities were chosen from nearly 50 applicants for the new Model Cities Initiative aimed at reducing violent crime.
Why it matters
The initiative encourages local governments and law enforcement to implement comprehensive public safety strategies. By targeting specific urban areas, federal officials hope to drive long-term reductions in violent offenses.
The Department of Justice will announce specific financial awards for the four winning jurisdictions within the next 10 days. The program follows a competitive application process that saw nearly 50 cities vie for support.
The players
Department of Justice
This federal executive department is responsible for enforcing laws and administering justice in the United States.
Todd Blanche
He serves as the Attorney General of the United States and leads the Department of Justice.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office
This agency provides law enforcement services in Jacksonville and currently employs more than 3,600 people.
Baton Rouge Police Department
This municipal agency provides policing services to the residents of Baton Rouge.
The details
Selected cities submitted detailed plans for improving public safety through partnerships between local government and law enforcement. The DOJ initiative builds on recent local efforts, such as the Baton Rouge Police Department raising starting salaries to $58,000 and St. Louis planning a 300-officer personnel expansion.
Timeline
June 2026: The Department of Justice launched the Model Cities Initiative competition.
2024: Jacksonville and St. Louis recorded their lowest homicide totals in recent years.
Next 10 days: Attorney General Todd Blanche will visit the four cities to present the awards.
Legal Context
The Model Cities Initiative represents a shift toward targeted, federal-local partnerships to address persistent violent crime. This follows established patterns of federal grant programs designed to supplement local police staffing and strategic policy planning.
Residents in the four selected cities may see changes to public safety strategies as local governments implement their new federal-funded plans. These measures are designed to reduce rates of homicide, robbery, and aggravated assault in local communities.
The takeaway
The program emphasizes that reducing violent crime requires a combination of federal support and localized strategic planning. Residents should watch for upcoming local government briefings regarding how these funds will specifically impact public safety resources in their area.
What happens next
Attorney General Todd Blanche is scheduled to visit each of the four selected cities within the next 10 days to formally present the awards and announce individual funding totals.
Further reading
For broader context on federal crime prevention programs, visit the United States Violence section.
Live Poll
Do you believe federal funding is an effective tool to reduce violent crime in local cities?
