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State Aid To Localities With Police Departments (599)
Introduction
The Code of Virginia (§9.1-165, et seq.) provides for financial assistance to localities with police departments through the "599" program. Currently, 40 cities, 9 counties and 126 towns receive "599" funds. The Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) administers the program.
Eligibility for 599 Funds
To be eligible for "599" funds, a locality must have a police department as defined in §9.1-165, and all of the department's law enforcement personnel must meet the state's minimum training requirements. DCJS requires each participating jurisdiction to certify annually that it meets the eligibility criteria. Each locality must also certify that it will use the “599” funds to supplement, not supplant, local funds provided for public safety services.
Jurisdictions which received "599" funds during the 1980-82 biennium are considered eligible to receive funding as long as their departments remain in operation. Other localities seeking to establish police departments and become eligible must meet more stringent criteria.
Any town eligible for "599" funds during the 1986-88 biennium may elect to have its police services provided by the sheriff of the county in which it is located, under an agreement pursuant to §15.2-1726, and still retain its eligibility.
Calculation of "599" Amounts for Localities
DCJS calculates the amounts for each eligible locality using a distribution formula that includes crime rates, population, population density and welfare caseloads. The amount of funding DCJS calculates for each locality changes annually, based on the size of the “599” appropriation from the General Assembly and the values contained in the “599” distribution formula. However, the Assembly may and often has specified that changes in allocations from one fiscal year to the next are to be based on a standard, across-the-board percentage increase or decrease. In those cases, the distribution formula is not used.
Distribution of “599” Funds
Funds are distributed to eligible localities in quarterly payments via electronic funds transfers.
For further information, contact Joe Marshall at 804.786-1577, or by e-mail.
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