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Gov. Youngkin announces $20M awarded to VA criminal justice programs

FILE - Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin speaks to supporters as he attends a campaign rally on Monday, Oct. 31, 2022, in Westchester, N.Y. One year after Glenn Youngkin became the first Republican in more than a decade to win the Virginia governorship, some in his party believe the shine of his national star is being tested just as he quietly contemplates a 2024 presidential run. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez, File)

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY) — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced today that the Criminal Justice Services Board has awarded $20 million to local and state criminal justice programs in Virginia.

Youngkin announced Operation Bold Blue Line in October, in an attempt to reduce violent crime in Virginia.


 “Today’s grant funding provides Bold Blue Line with resources for Virginia localities to address violent crime through a combination of comprehensive law enforcement, prosecutorial, and community-based initiatives, as well as providing much needed equipment and technology for law enforcement training academies in Virginia,” said Youngkin. “Today’s award also supports my officer hiring initiative, ‘Option V’ that encourages certified law enforcement officers from other states to become certified in Virginia and work for a Virginia law enforcement agency.” 

Programs receiving grant funding include: 

“As a former Sheriff, I understand how essential these grant funds, especially the law enforcement equipment and officer training grants, are to support our entire Virginia law enforcement community,” said Robert Mosier, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security in Virginia. 

“The grants awarded today by the Criminal Justice Services Board reflect the Governor’s commitment to making communities safe by taking action to reduce violent crime by supporting local law enforcement and funding community initiatives,” said Department of Criminal Justice Services Director Jackson Miller.

More funding opportunities will be available in the upcoming months.