More than a quarter of a million dollars in federal grants have been awarded to law enforcement agencies in the Mahoning Valley to support crime prevention and control efforts, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced.

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants, totaling $253,361.43, will fund 11 departments across Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

The annual grants support various aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, corrections, and victim services.

In Columbiana County, East Palestine Police Department received the largest award, $59,874.53. The Columbiana County Sheriff's Office was awarded $9,757.96, and the Perry Township Police Department received $6,686.90.

Mahoning County agencies received the largest portion of the funds. The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office received two grants, $42,942.96 and $15,000.00. Austintown Township Police Department was awarded $19,476.69, Canfield Police Department received $15,454.01, Struthers Police Department received $13,687.50, and Jackson Township Police Department received $8,295.39.

In Trumbull County, the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office received $38,377.51, and the Cortland Police Department received $23,807.98.

The grants can be used for a wide range of initiatives, including technical assistance, strategic planning, research, data collection, training, equipment, and personnel.

The competitive grant process solicited proposals from state agencies, non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, and other criminal justice-related agencies.

The JAG funds are intended to serve as seed money for new and promising programs that aim to improve the criminal justice system.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services, as the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administers millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding annually. The office also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.