Rep. Hank Johnson Co-Sponsoring "Shield Our Streets Act"

Rep. Hank Johnson announced Tuesday that he is co-sponsoring H.R. 4098, the "Shield Our Streets Act," which was described as allowing local law enforcement agencies to hire new officers, rehire officers who have been laid off due to budget cuts and invest in new public safety equipment. 

Local governments "face dwindling law enforcement budgets and police department resources are being stretched thin in order to make up the difference," due to state cuts, Johnson's announcement stated.

"During another difficult budget year at home, I want to ensure public safety officials in the district have the resources they need to protect citizens," said Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, in the announcement. "I'm proud to stand with law enforcement officers who are on the front lines keeping our community safe."

DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis and DeKalb District Attorney Robert James were also quoted in the announcement as supporting the act.

The announcement stated that "while DeKalb County has not yet cut officer positions during difficult budget tightening, DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis welcomed Congressman Johnson's efforts to provide new federal funding to assist local law enforcement going forward."

Additionally, here's how the Shield Police Hiring and Public Safety Enhancement Grants were explained in Tuesday's announcement:

► The Shield Police Hiring Grants would establish an Attorney General grant program that would provide grants to law enforcement agencies that operate in Elevated Need Localities, which is defined as a county (or unit of local government) which (1) has a crime rate above the national average, and (2) has had budget reductions during the most recent 5-year period. Grants would last for three years and may be extended by two years at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.

► The Shield Public Safety Enhancement Grants to provide grants to purchase public safety equipment, fund public safety programs, make infrastructure improvements for the purpose of enhancing public safety, purchase and install street lights to deter crime, fund activities related to crime labs, and fund public defender programs. Non-profit organizations operating in Elevated Need Localities may also apply for grants under this program to fund initiatives designed to reduce crime in these jurisdictions. Grants would be for one year but may be extended at the discretion of the Attorney General. $100 million for each fiscal year 2013 through 2018 are authorized to be appropriated for this program.