Baucus, Tester announce funding to protect Montana’s children

Nearly $500,000 headed to Montana Department of Justice

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Montana’s Department of Justice will get a boost to better protect the state’s communities from sexual predators, thanks to grant funding announced today by Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester.

Montana will receive $498,969 in a Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.  The funding will help Montana law enforcement arrest and prosecute child sexual predators and exploiters.

Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock, who oversees the Montana Department of Justice, said the additional investigators and prosecutor are needed.

“As the father of three young children, nothing is more important to me than keeping our kids safe,” Bullock said.  “From our playgrounds to the internet, this grant will help my department work with local law enforcement to protect all of Montana’s kids.”

“I’m proud to support funding that goes directly to keeping the children of Montana safe,” said Baucus.  “These resources provide another step in making sure that Montana remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family.”

“This is a smart investment in keeping our kids and grandkids safe from predators,” said Tester.  “And it gives the cops on the streets of Montana’s communities the tools they need to protect our families.”

The funding is made possible through the Child Sexual Predator Program. 

In addition to direct assistance with arrests and prosecutions, the resources will strengthen enforcement of Montana’s sex offender registration laws and will help foster partnerships between state law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s office and the U.S. Marshal’s office.