Torres Announces Federal Funding for Pomona Anti-Human Trafficking/Prostitution Efforts
ONTARIO, CA – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the City of Pomona with a $69,550 grant to combat human trafficking and prostitution.
“Human trafficking and prostitution prey on the young and the vulnerable, often trapping them in a world of drugs, violence, and emotional abuse,” said Torres. “Beyond the unspeakable pain of those involved, they also lead to rising crime levels across the community. I am proud to see the City of Pomona is taking action to combat this dangerous epidemic and that they will be getting much needed support from the Department of Justice in these efforts.”
Last month, Pomona Police released six months of human trafficking data where they announced they had arrested 306 people for prostitution and related crimes over that time. The city was awarded an FY16 DOJ Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) which can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice in a variety of program areas. Pomona will specifically use these funds to provide additional funding to conduct enhanced human trafficking and prostitution enforcements.
“Federal funding like that from the JAG program is critical to making sure law enforcement agencies have the tools they need to protect and serve our communities,” continued Torres. “At a time when police budgets across the country are under increased pressure, these grants help our local law enforcement build the vital partnerships across agencies and within the community that are critical to keeping us safe.”
During the Fiscal Year 2016 congressional appropriations process Rep. Torres signed onto a letter specifically requesting strong funding for the JAG program in the FY16 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill which funds programs in the Department of Justice.
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