Tester Secures More Than $152,000 for Billings Law Enforcement

Byrne JAG grants for equipment, supplies

As a part of his continued work to fully fund and equip Montana law enforcement, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured $152,772 in Byrne JAG Grant funding for equipment and supplies for the Sheriff’s Office and Detention Facility in Billings.

As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Tester secured these funds through the 2023 government funding bill. He was the only member of the Montana delegation to support the legislation.

“Every day, Montana’s brave men and women in law enforcement work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, including in places like Billings, where crime prevention and community safety are top of mind for many folks – and we owe it to our law enforcement agencies to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely,” said Tester. “I’m proud to secure this funding for vital equipment and supplies for Billings law enforcement, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they have the tools they need.”

The funding will be used for rechargeable flashlights, charging docks, batteries for various devices, addressing hail damage on the county helicopter, and acquiring a Motorola APX portable radio. The BPD plans to utilize $132,161 for the procurement of interior patrol SUV equipment, simulation ammunition, Point Blank vests, TASER training cartridges, uniforms, AED batteries, First Aid supplies, and promotional items.

Tester is a tireless advocate for increasing funding for police and making sure Montana law enforcement officers have the resources they need to keep communities safe. He secured more than $1 billion in critical funding for local, state, and federal law enforcement and public safety programs in the 2023 government funding bill. Tester was the only member of the Montana delegation to support the bill, which included $770.8 million for Byrne JAG Funding a $96.3 million increase – in the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) omnibus appropriations package.

Additionally, Tester has always led the charge to combat drug trafficking and support law enforcement. Earlier this year, Tester introduced his ANTI Drugs Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase resources for three programs – High Intensity Drug Task Forces (HIDTA), Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and Operation Stonegarden – that law enforcement rely on to secure the border, stop drug trafficking, and keep communities safe.