Everett Police Dept. receives $36K from Shannon Grant

  The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) recently received $757,147 from this year’s Shannon Grant – within that figure, $36,199 was allocated to the Everett Police Department.

  “The Shannon Grant assists the city with hotspot patrolling, youth programming for crime prevention as well as additional community activities for our youth,” said Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “This money allows us to go above and beyond in our prevention efforts for Everett’s youth.”

  Amy Reilly, assistant director of Municipal Collaboration for the MAPC, said Everett’s funding will be used for “hotspot patrols in high-risk areas” and to have additional officers present at youth programming events. “These funds will be used to ensure safer neighborhoods in the city and that relationships between officers and youth are built and strengthened,” said Reilly.

  Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said the funding came in at the right time. “This comes at a crucial time where we really need to invest in youth programs,” she said. “I hope it is applied in engaging ways that promote community building, a sense of belonging and creates opportunities for our young residents.”

  This year, the state awarded 15 municipal grants totaling $11.2 million to 27 cities and 14 research partners.

  “The Shannon Grant program invests in community-based efforts to connect with at-risk youth and help put them on a pathway to future success,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The long-term positive impacts of the programs funded by Shannon Grants demonstrate the importance of a collaborative approach to addressing youth violence and improving the safety of our communities.”

  Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy said the grants continue to play a vital role to alleviate youth violence. “The successful initiative helps to build meaningful partnerships between police and community while providing at-risk or gang-involved youth with alternative pathways to healthy, productive and fulfilling lives,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

  Last year alone, the grants provided funding for 140 full-time equivalent positions to address youth gang violence. Grant funding was also used to serve more than 15,000 young people across Massachusetts.

  The grant program was established in 2006 in memory of State Senator Charles Shannon of Winchester. He represented the Second Middlesex District from 1991 until his death in 2005 following a five-month battle with leukemia. Prior to his election to the Senate, Shannon was a Lexington police officer for 20 years. He was also a Town Meeting member in Winchester and was on the town’s Board of Assessors from 1987 to 1990.