Montgomery, AL – Kay Ivey has awarded two grants totaling $135,000 to support training programs aimed at strengthening law enforcement efforts across Alabama, with a significant portion of funding directed to Jacksonville State University.
The governor allocated $75,000 to Jacksonville State University and $60,000 to Auburn University at Montgomery to provide both general and specialized training focused on crime prevention and investigative techniques.
“Knowledge is a powerful tool for keeping communities safe and ensuring that criminal offenders face justice,” Ivey said. “I commend these universities for sharing expertise and resources with law enforcement from all parts of Alabama.”
At Jacksonville State University, the funding will support the Center for Applied Forensics, which plans to train law enforcement officers in recognizing, preserving, and collecting evidence at crime scenes. The program will also provide officers and deputies with crime kits and instruction in both basic and advanced crime scene analysis.
The training initiative is expected to enhance the capabilities of officers statewide by equipping them with updated tools and techniques used in modern forensic investigations.
Meanwhile, Auburn University at Montgomery will use its grant to host training programs focused on proactive crime prevention strategies, aimed at reducing or eliminating opportunities for criminal activity. These sessions will be open to law enforcement personnel, state agencies, and other related groups.
The grants are being administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs using funding provided through the U.S. Department of Justice.
“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs that help law enforcement officers develop skills they can use to better serve their communities,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell.
ADECA oversees a variety of programs across the state, including those supporting law enforcement, victim services, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation, and recreation.
