The Justice Department on Friday announced that four jurisdictions will receive nearly $300 million in federal funding through its Model Cities Initiative, a program aimed at reducing violent crime.
The jurisdictions are Jacksonville, Florida; East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri. The department said the money will support locally driven strategies and better coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement.
| Jurisdiction | Funded agency |
|---|---|
| Baton Rouge - East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana | East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana |
| Jackson | City of Jackson, Mississippi |
| Jacksonville | City of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office |
| St. Louis | City of St. Louis Police Department |
The department listed the specific agencies funded: East Baton Rouge Parish in Louisiana, the City of Jackson in Mississippi, the City of Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the City of St. Louis Police Department. The department did not say in the release how much each jurisdiction will receive.
According to the department, the funding can support hiring sworn and non-sworn law enforcement officers and other personnel for enforcement, prosecution and related public safety work. It can also pay for new technology, equipment purchases or leases, and stronger forensic capabilities. Services to address mental health and substance use issues and to reduce recidivism, meaning repeat offending, are also covered.
The department described the initiative as a “whole-of-city approach” that brings together law enforcement agencies, local officials and community partners. It said the four applications showed the kind of approach it sought. The release did not say how many jurisdictions applied.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said the initiative reflects the Trump Administration’s commitment to reducing crime. He said the selected cities are “setting an example of proactive law enforcement.” He also said violent crime rates continue to fall.
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. said nonfatal violent crime declined 25 percent from 2024 to 2025. He said the initiative offers a chance to build on that progress.
The department announced the Model Cities Initiative in June 2026. It said the program builds on early results in places such as Memphis, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C.
The Justice Department said it will work with each jurisdiction to finalize and carry out its public safety plan. Blanche will visit the four jurisdictions next month to present the awards and meet with local law enforcement officials, elected leaders and community partners.
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