Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $2 Million to Prevent Gun Violence

Braintree — The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded more than $2 million in federal funding to help local police departments and state agencies prevent firearm deaths and injuries across Massachusetts.

The grants mark the first funds awarded in Massachusetts through the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program. The program is funded through the Department of Justice and administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). In total, approximately $2,018,800 in federal funds will be invested in crisis intervention and gun violence prevention efforts across the state.

“Responding to the complex issue of gun violence requires both public safety and public health interventions. These grants support evidence-based efforts to prevent firearm injuries and deaths, increase crisis intervention training for law enforcement and improve the safety of Massachusetts communities. The funds complement our administration’s commitment to holistic approaches to public safety and reducing gun deaths,” said Governor Maura Healey.

“Preventing gun violence is critical to ensuring the safety of Massachusetts communities. These grants support life-saving initiatives that will allow police officers and communities to better respond to individuals in crisis and at-risk of gun violence,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

The grant funds will support initiatives including suicide prevention training for veteran service officers, crisis intervention and de-escalation training for local police, outreach regarding Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and evidence-based youth violence prevention programs. Under the conditions of the federal program, the funds may not be used for the purpose of enforcement activities. Award recipients will receive technical assistance and other support from a Statewide Research Partner, who was selected through a competitive application process. Funded agencies will also receive ongoing grant management and reporting assistance from program coordinators assigned to OGR’s Justice and Prevention Division.

“No single approach can effectively address the complex issue of gun violence. This vital funding supports a comprehensive strategy tailored to meet the diverse needs of our communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Investments in prevention, intervention and education are essential to building stronger, safer communities with the tools needed to address the root causes of gun violence.”

“Massachusetts is a national leader in reducing firearm deaths. These grants will support and enhance efforts across Massachusetts to save lives and prevent acts of gun violence,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton.

Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program for Municipal Law Enforcement funds were awarded to:

Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program for State Agencies funding was awarded to:

The selected Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program – Statewide Research Partner is:

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