Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch and the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence have received a three-year, $1 million federal grant aimed at improving law enforcement response to domestic violence cases, particularly in rural communities.
The grant, awarded through the Office on Violence Against Women’s Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program, will fund training, materials and equipment for local law enforcement agencies.
More than 300 laptops or similar devices are expected to be purchased through the grant. Officials said the equipment will help officers access resources including the Mississippi Domestic Violence Registry and Mississippi Protection Order Registry while responding to cases.
Fitch said smaller and rural law enforcement agencies can face challenges accessing those tools because of limited equipment.
Lanisha G. Bell, CEO of the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said the funding will also support training, listening sessions and collaboration between law enforcement and community partners.
The Attorney General’s Office currently provides domestic violence training at Mississippi law enforcement academies, including instruction on state and federal laws, tactical awareness and scenario-based response.
The office has also developed online tools and resources for law enforcement and victims, including its AGO in Action mobile app and a program designed to help people prepare a domestic abuse protection order.
The announcement comes during Domestic Violence Prevention Month.
Anyone experiencing domestic violence who needs to speak with an advocate can contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-829-6766 or victimassistance@ago.ms.gov.