Justice Department awards Jacksonville more than $73 million for public safety
The federal grant is part of a new Model Cities Initiative and could pay for staffing, technology, forensics and services tied to mental health, substance use and recidivism — but Jacksonville still has to finalize the spending plan with federal partners.
Jacksonville is getting more than $73 million from the Justice Department, a federal award meant to bolster public safety and expand the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s reach. The department says Jacksonville was chosen from nearly 50 cities and is one of four places sharing nearly $300 million under the new Model Cities Initiative.
What the money can cover
The award is broad enough to support more staff, new technology, equipment, stronger forensic work and services aimed at mental health, substance use and reducing recidivism. That matters because the release says the money will go into a public safety plan that still has to be finalized with federal partners.
Why Jacksonville was picked
In its announcement, the Justice Department pointed to lower violent-crime numbers in Jacksonville. It said murders fell 38% from 2023 through 2025, robberies dropped 25% and aggravated assaults fell 21%, while bullet-to-bone shootings and non-domestic shootings also declined over that span.
What happens next
JSO said the partnership will play out over multiple years, with a focus on proven policing strategies, forensic capacity and new crime-fighting tools. For residents, the practical next step is to watch for city and JSO updates on how the grant will be divided among hiring, technology, equipment and services once the federal plan is finalized.
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