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INDIANAPOLIS--Agencies in the Southern District of Indiana were awarded more than $5.6 million in Department of Justice grants to fight and prevent violent crime.

Some of that money is going to the City of Indianapolis for “Operation Legend,” which is a coordinated initiative across law enforcement to address a recent surge in violent crime.

The grants are part of more than $458 million in funding to support state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime all across the U.S.

“Recent data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI suggests a drop in crime and serious victimization for the third straight year,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler. “But even with this encouraging news, we find cities like Indianapolis experiencing an unacceptable increase in homicides. These funds will help in the fight against violent crime and improve assistance to victims, community engagement, prevention, and reentry efforts.”

Of the more than $458 million awarded nationwide, the Office of Justice Program’s Bureau of Justice Assistance made 1,094 grants totaling more than $369 million to support efforts in enforcement, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation.

“One of the fundamental missions of government is to protect its citizens and safeguard the rule of law,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “The Department of Justice will continue to meet this critical responsibility by doing everything within its power to help our state, local and tribal law enforcement and criminal justice partners fight crime and deliver justice on behalf of all Americans.”

The following organizations in Indiana received funding:

  • County of Vanderburgh $587,726

    Justice Reinvestment Initiative: Reducing Violent Crime by Improving Justice System Performance

  • City of Indianapolis $250,000

    Operation Legend

  • Indiana Criminal Justice Institute/Indiana Supreme Court, Office of Technology $1,425,879

    NICS Act Record Improvement Program

  • Indiana Criminal Justice Institute/Indiana State Police $3,000,000

    National Criminal History Improvement Program