(Jefferson City, MO) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has approved nearly $10 million in grants to 43 different sheriff’s offices across the state for security and other improvements to local jails.
The jail improvements include cell door lock upgrades, video surveillance equipment, full-body scanners, HVAC improvements, and other maintenance and improvement projects.
Two SE Missouri departments received part of that money. The Dunklin County Sheriff’s Department received over $34-thousand; the Cape Girardeau department received an over $128-thousand grant.
The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act, in addition to being part of the fiscal year budget plan from the governor.
Governor Mike Parson, who was a former sheriff, said that the grants are an investment in Missouri’s jail infrastructure.