LEPC Approves $722K to VIPD & BOC Crime-fighting Cameras for Frederiksted

St. Croix Times Staff

The Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission’s (LEPC) Director, Moleto A. Smith Jr. announced the approval of over $722,000 in federally funded grants to be awarded to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections (BOC), My Brother’s Workshop, Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands, Inc., Imala Academy, Inc., and Lion Haven St. Croix Community Center, Inc.

“This funding approval provides critical resources to support VIPD to combat crime in Frederiksted Town, St. Croix, through purchasing and installing cameras, in addition to obtaining critical operational equipment for the VIPD Marine Unit,” said Director Smith. “It also supports BOC’s residential substance abuse treatment initiatives and security enhancements at the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility.

“$240,000 of this funding has been approved for crime prevention summer programs operated by My Brother’s Workshop, Imala Academy, Lion Haven St Croix Community Center, and Caribbean Center for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands,” added Mr. Smith. “LEPC is committed to supporting eligible community-based nonprofit organizations that align with our safe communities strategy.”

LEPC serves as the State Administering Agency (SAA) for federal United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) grant funds awarded to the USVI. Funding of these initiatives is made available through the USDOJ Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) Program and the Residential and Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) of State Prisoners Grants Program. 

“LEPC issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for funding through these federal grant programs under our oversight,” said Director Smith. “The approval of funds to respective entities and organizations is a result of this process. The LEPC team and its independent review committee worked diligently to accomplish this important milestone. I extend thanks to everyone involved in this process.

“LEPC is committed to advancing Governor Albert Bryan’s vision of safe communities throughout the Virgin Islands. The approval of these important federal funds to support law enforcement agencies, community-based organizations is another significant step in our comprehensive three (3) part strategic approach to support this vision. Our strategic approach includes: (1) establishing a Virgin Islands criminal justice data repository, (2) collaborations that strengthen our criminal justice system, by identifying and closing gaps, and (3) aligning resources to sustainably support keeping the Virgin Islands safe,” added Director Smith.  

LEPC is committed to supporting criminal justice initiatives and programs through collaboration, advice, and resources to promote safer communities in the USVI.