Entities in Suffolk recently were awarded about $480,000 in grants for various law enforcement and family-support programs from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services.

The Suffolk Police Department received $125,703 for its predicting policing program, which city spokesman Tim Kelley said will employ a crime analyst to help identify “hot-spot” areas, as well as use predictive policing software and problem-oriented police tactics, all in an effort to reduce crime.

A second grant in the amount of $211,049 will support the continuation of the existing Fifth Judicial District Community Corrections Program, which serves Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight and Southampton, Kelley said.

The program serves as a sentencing alternative for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders, Kelley said. Those eligible for the program may be charged with crimes like driving under the influence of alcohol, underage drinking, possession of marijuana, identity theft, embezzlement, unauthorized use of an automobile and other crimes.

The program helps ensure offenders satisfy all court-ordered conditions, complete educational programs and receive counseling services, Kelley said.

In addition, the Western Tidewater Community Services Board received $144,906 for the Strong African-American Families program.

Strong African-American Families is a program developed at the Center for Family Research at the University of Georgia, said Brandon Rodgers, administrator of program and service development for the Western Tidewater Community Services Board.

The board expects to offer 14 cycles annually of seven-week structured programming in Franklin and Southampton County to middle school aged youth and their caregivers. Childcare for younger siblings would be provided during the programming, and each family that completes the curriculum gets an incentive stipend, Rodgers said.

“We are excited to expand our prevention services with this award,” he added.

In all, 235 grants worth $38.3 million were awarded to localities, state agencies and nonprofits. The grants were approved by the Criminal Justice Services Board at its meeting on June 11. Funds come from state appropriations, special funds and federal funding sources.

“State government has a vital role in providing resources to localities as they tackle the challenges of making our communities safer and creating a more business friendly environment in the Commonwealth,” Gov. Terry McAuliffe stated in a press release. “I’m pleased that we have been able to obtain federal grant funds to support these important goals.”