Texas invests over $500 million to strengthen public safety across the state

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott recently announced that his Public Safety Office (PSO) will oversee the administration of more than $500 million in grant funding aimed at bolstering public safety programs and services throughout Texas. The grants are designed to enhance efforts such as victim services, anti-human trafficking initiatives, border security, and support for law enforcement. These funds, sourced from both federal and state allocations, mark a significant step toward ensuring the safety and security of all Texans.

“Ensuring the safety and security of Texans is our top priority in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “These public safety grants will provide critical funding to strengthen Texas agencies and organizations as they work to secure the border, prevent human trafficking, ensure justice for victims, and protect Texans from dangerous criminals and violence. With this $500 million in grant funding, we will continue to build a safer Texas for all.”

Key Areas of Funding Distribution

The funding is being distributed across several key programs, each aimed at addressing specific public safety concerns:

• Body-Worn Cameras: $4.6 million was awarded across 98 grants to equip peace officers with body-worn cameras, ensuring accountability and transparency during investigative activities.
• Bullet-Resistant Equipment: $4.9 million was allocated for bullet-resistant shields, while $1.8 million was provided for rifle-resistant vests to protect officers during tactical operations.
• Human Trafficking Prevention: $24.8 million was awarded to 46 projects aimed at supporting survivors and prosecuting traffickers.
• Victim Services: A significant $194.9 million was distributed to 509 projects focused on aiding crime victims and addressing violence against women.
• Cybersecurity Initiatives: $8.1 million was directed toward addressing cybersecurity threats to local government systems, reducing systemic risks.
• Homeland Security: $56.5 million was granted to 316 projects to prepare for and mitigate potential terrorism threats.

Addressing Local and Regional Needs

One of the major highlights of the funding initiative is its focus on supporting local and regional efforts. Programs such as the Local Border Security (Border Star) program received $5.5 million to increase law enforcement presence along the Texas-Mexico border. Another $23.1 million was allocated to the Statewide Emergency Radio Infrastructure to improve communication during emergencies.

Additionally, $3.1 million was directed toward residential substance abuse treatment programs in local correctional facilities, and $12.2 million was provided to specialty courts to assist participants with substance abuse or mental health challenges. These programs aim to reduce repeat offenses and alleviate court congestion.

Supporting Victims and Combating Crime

The grants emphasize services for victims of crime, with a particular focus on addressing violence against women. Projects such as the SAFE Ready Facilities program received $4.4 million to assist medical facilities in achieving Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)-Ready designations. Funding also supports forensic evidence testing, with $519,000 allocated to district attorney offices for analyzing physical evidence.

Programs aimed at preventing gang violence and supporting anti-gang centers received $30.2 million, emphasizing a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to gang prevention, intervention, and suppression.

Enhancing Public Safety Technology

The state is also prioritizing advancements in technology to improve safety. For example, $13.3 million was granted to the State Crisis Intervention Program to address crime and violence prevention. Meanwhile, $8 million was allocated to the Juvenile Justice and Truancy Prevention program, which aims to improve mental health services and reduce truancy through school and community-based programs.

The funding also includes $55.7 million for Operation Lone Star, which enhances interagency border security operations to deter and interdict criminal activities along the Texas border.

Building Safer Communities

Governor Abbott emphasized the critical role of these grants in safeguarding Texas communities. “This funding allows us to address some of the most pressing challenges our state faces, from human trafficking to cyber threats, while ensuring the safety of our officers and the public,” he said.

The PSO works closely with state and regional partner agencies, including the 24 regional Councils of Governments and Urban Area Working Groups in major metro areas such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Interested entities can find funding opportunities and program details on the Governor’s eGrants website.