Justice Department Announces Nearly $300 Million in Awards to Four Model Cities to Combat Violent Crime
The U.S. Department of Justice on October 30 announced the selection of four jurisdictions to receive nearly $300 million in federal funding through its Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a flagship effort to reduce violent crime, restore law and order, and strengthen public safety in American communities.
The four selected jurisdictions are Jacksonville, Florida; East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri. The departments funded are the City of Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, East Baton Rouge Parish, the City of Jackson, and the City of St. Louis Police Department. Individual award amounts have not yet been disclosed.
"The Model Cities Initiative reflects the Trump Administration's commitment to reducing crime across the country and ensuring the safety of every American," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "These cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement that will strengthen the rule of law and improve public safety in their jurisdictions. As violent crime rates continue to fall to historic lows, the Department of Justice is redoubling our efforts to invest in local communities and keep American families safe."
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. said nonfatal violent crime declined 25 percent from 2024 to 2025, and that the initiative offers an opportunity to build on that progress, empowering the selected cities to set a new standard for safer communities across America.
The initiative takes a whole-of-city approach, bringing together law enforcement agencies, local government officials, and community partners. Funding will support hiring sworn and non-sworn personnel, adopting new technology, purchasing or leasing equipment, enhancing forensic capabilities, and providing services addressing mental health and substance use and reducing recidivism.
Attorney General Blanche will visit the four jurisdictions next month to present the awards. The Department announced the initiative in June 2026, building on early successes in Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：佛罗里达州杰克逊维尔市天际线（入选城市之一）。Matthew T Rader 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Jacksonville, Florida skyline, one of the four selected cities. Photo by Matthew T Rader, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
