The U.S. Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) has received a $10,233 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of the John R. Justice Prosecutors and Public Defenders Incentive Program, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney. The award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance supports the U.S. Virgin Islands Law Enforcement Planning Commission’s efforts to retain skilled public defenders and prosecutors in the territory.
“These funds encourage the continued service of skilled public defenders and prosecutors within the U.S. Virgin Islands,” U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.
The John R. Justice Grant Program, also referred to as the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program, provides student loan repayment assistance for local, state, territorial and federal public defenders and local, state and territorial prosecutors who commit to extended service in those roles. To administer this program, the Bureau of Justice Assistance provides each of the 50 states, the territories and the District of Columbia the opportunity to apply for formula funding to support a tuition and loan repayment program for eligible beneficiaries working within the state’s, territory’s or district’s jurisdiction.
These designated agencies shall establish and maintain a statewide John R. Justice Grant Program consistent with the act and programmatic guidance provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Once the state/territory has received the grant award, the state/territory administering agency is responsible for outreach, education and solicitation of applications from eligible beneficiaries. The state/territory will ensure grant funds for loan repayment are allocated fairly between prosecutors and public defenders, with a priority placed on those eligible beneficiaries who have the least ability to repay their loans.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance offers funding through a variety of different programs.
Learn about funding webinars; apply to become a peer reviewer; find information about previously available solicitation; and see award detail at https://www.bja.ojp.gov/funding