Proceeds from the "Violet Crime Intervention Fund" grant will be used to jointly address the most serious of offenses.
Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems told the Review that the "collaborative grant" had to be sought by two or more agencies in order to be eligible, and that he's happy to be working with these partners to secure the funds.
The proceeds can be used to fund violent crime agents, vehicles, surveillance equipment, combat equipment, lifesaving technology, drug testing equipment, and much more, the Sheriff said.
The extensive grant application was written by Captain Christie Moore of the Lewis County Jail, and is one hundred percent fully-funded (no local match required) by the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Prorams, 2023 Violent Crime Intervention Fund: Competitive Collaboratie Enhancement Grant Program.
This program is part of Governor Bill Lee's initiative to reduce crime across the State of Tennessee, and was approved by the General Assembly in 2022.
"Tennessee is equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to keep every community safe," stated Governor Lee.
"I invite all police departments and sheriff's offices to engage this opportunity so the state can thoughtfully invest these dollars in proven methods that will curb violent crime and strengthen public safety."
Sheriff Weems said, "I'm proud to say that I have always had and wioll continue to have a great working relationship with Lewis County and Hohenwald law enforcement. Together, we will continue to combat violent crime and drugs in our community. Take it somewhere else if you don't want to go to prison."
