Five Massachusetts counties will every obtain $97,000 in state grants to additional efforts to fight human trafficking, the Baker administration introduced.
“This grant funding aims to further ensure that law enforcement and service providers are equipped to provide victims with the help they need while holding accountable those who would commit these traumatic crimes,” Gov. Charlie Baker mentioned in a press release Tuesday.
Announced in September, the 2023 Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program rewards $485,000 in state-appropriated funding to businesses to fund applications like a particular human trafficking particular prosecutor, enforcement and investigative efforts, prevention and intervention companies and coaching, in response to the state’s announcement of this system.
The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security had anticipated awarding between $75,000 to a most of $125,000 to varied businesses however Tuesday’s announcement confirmed a good cut up of $97,000 throughout 5 district attorneys workplaces. Those counties are Berkshire, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth and Suffolk.
“These funds will ensure that prosecutors and their law enforcement partners have the capacity to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from exploitation,” mentioned Terrence Reidy, the EOPSS secretary. “They also allow law enforcement to expand services and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve.”
According to the EOPSS September launch, the funds “can be used to strengthen investigations and prosecution of human trafficking as well as enhance community relationships and municipal law enforcement’s capacity to work on anti-trafficking cases.”
The funds may go towards programming and assist companies for victims of those crimes and may be sub-awarded to exterior entities engaged on combatting human trafficking, together with native police departments.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”