Updated on:
10/30/2026
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters. (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office)
Jacksonville will receive a share of nearly $300 million in federal crime-fighting funds after being selected for a new Trump administration program.
The River City is one of only four communities chosen for the Justice Department’s Model Cities Initiative.
“This is a tremendous honor for Jacksonville and a testament to the progress we have made together in public safety,” Sheriff T.K. Waters said.
JSO said the funding will help investigators solve crimes, expand forensic testing and equip the agency with new technology.
It will also strengthen the agency’s ability to help law enforcement partners across Northeast Florida.
The other recipients are East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and St. Louis, Missouri.
The program can fund additional officers and staff, equipment and services addressing mental health, substance use and repeat offending.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche. (Wikipedia)
“These cities are setting an example of proactive law enforcement that will strengthen the rule of law and improve public safety in their jurisdictions.” said Attorney General Todd Blanche in a statement.
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JSO credited its selection to innovative law enforcement techniques and touted declines in violent crime and homicides.
Federal officials will now work with the selected communities to finalize their plans.
JSO said details about local spending and timelines will be announced in the coming weeks.
Blanche is scheduled to visit the four communities next month to present the awards.
“It is also a powerful example of what local and federal partners can accomplish when we share a common mission,” Waters said. “We are deeply grateful to the Department of Justice for standing shoulder to shoulder with us and investing in the safety of our community.”