Case Explained: Ivey awards $135,000 in grants to universities to expand Alabama law enforcement training – Legal Perspective

Alabama law enforcement officers will have new training opportunities aimed at improving crime scene investigations and preventing crime, backed by two state-administered grants totaling $135,000.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs said Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $75,000 to Jacksonville State University and $60,000 to Auburn University at Montgomery for general and specialized training on crime-fighting techniques.

“Knowledge is a powerful tool for keeping communities safe and ensuring that criminal offenders face justice,” Ivey said. “I commend these universities for sharing expertise and resources with law enforcement from all parts of Alabama.”

Jacksonville State University’s Center for Applied Forensics will use its funding to train law enforcement officers on recognizing, preserving and collecting items of evidence at crime scenes. Officers and deputies will receive crime kits along with training on both basic and advanced crime scene analysis.

Auburn University at Montgomery will welcome law enforcement, state agencies and others for a program focused on proactive measures to reduce or remove opportunities for committing crimes.

ADECA is administering the grants with funds made available through the U.S. Department of Justice.

“ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these programs that help law enforcement officers develop skills they can use to better serve their communities,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim programs, economic development, water resource management, energy conservation and recreation.