Note: The following press release was posted by the City of Cedartown on their Facebook page. – KtE
CEDARTOWN — The City of Cedartown is set to receive a $1 million dollar grant that aims to curb violent crime in our community.
Cedartown’s award is part of an $83 million dollar initiative to improve community-level public safety measures and address law enforcement staffing challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The intent of this program will be to reduce violent crime in the city and particular hotspots where more violent crimes are occurring,” explained City Manager Edward Guzman.
“The grant will pay for two additional officers and a part-time law enforcement administrative staff member. In addition, the City will have an increased capacity to monitor and respond to 911. The program will allow for more community policing as well,” Guzman said. “This portion of the grant is $671,573.10 over a three and a half year period at a 0% cost match. The equipment portion of the grant is $415,688.90, also at a 0% cost match over a three and a half year period. This funding will allow Cedartown Police Department to invest in technology that will assist with reducing violent crime in the city.”
This includes gunshot detection equipment, LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras, and additional technology for Cedartown Police Department patrol officers and detectives such as computers that can be used in the office and out in the field.
“The City of Cedartown is thankful to Governor Kemp’s administration for awarding the grant and also to Senator Jason Anavitarte and Representative Trey Kelley for writing letters of support,” Guzman stated. “Special thanks is also due to the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission for their assistance with this grant.”
“Public safety has always been a top priority of my administration and will continue to be,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “With the increase in violent crime seen in communities across the country, including here in our state, we’re sending reinforcements to keep hardworking Georgians and their neighborhoods safe. From tackling staffing needs to deploying new equipment and technology, these funds are being invested so that our brave first responders have the resources they need to fight back against dangerous criminals.”
In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will be utilized to supplement law enforcement staffing, support violent crime reduction or community violence intervention programming, and invest in technology and equipment to address and respond to the rise in community violence resulting from the pandemic. A full list of the awardees and amounts can be found below.
“I commend Governor Kemp and the Administration for their continued efforts to ensure that ARPA funding is allocated properly throughout Georgia,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I will always support funding like these grants which enable our law enforcement agencies to invest in resources, staffing and infrastructure. I look forward to building on these investments in the future and always supporting our law enforcement heroes.”
“Under Governor Kemp’s leadership, Georgia has demonstrated time and time again our commitment to public safety and our unwavering support of the brave men and women who wear the badge,” said Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns. “Today’s grant announcement is further evidence of that continuing commitment. I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Jones, Attorney General Carr, and my colleagues in the General Assembly in working together to keep Georgia a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”
