Jacksonville Selected as One of Four Cities Nationwide for Department of Justice “Model Cities Initiative”
October 30, 2026
The U.S. Department of Justice has selected the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office as one of only four agencies in the nation for its new Model Cities Initiative. Jacksonville will share in a nearly $300 million federal commitment that will strengthen public safety across the city
and expand JSO’s ability to support law enforcement partners throughout Northeast Florida.
“This is a tremendous honor for Jacksonville and a testament to the progress we have made together in public safety,” said Sheriff T.K. Waters. “It is also a powerful example of what local and federal partners can accomplish when we share a common mission. We are deeply grateful to the Department of Justice for standing shoulder to shoulder with us and investing in the safety of our community. This generational investment will allow us to build on our success, strengthen our investigative capabilities, and give our men and women the technology and resources they need to stay a step ahead of criminals. Together, we are committed to making Jacksonville one of the safest cities in America.”
Under Sheriff Waters’ leadership, Jacksonville has seen an unprecedented decline in violent crime and homicides. These results reflect a comprehensive, data-driven approach that combines proactive enforcement, meaningful intervention, innovative technology, strong partnerships and sustained community engagement.
Through the Model Cities Initiative, JSO will work alongside its federal partners over multiple years to advance proven policing strategies, expand forensic capabilities, deploy new crime-fighting technology, and grow the investments already producing results. Together, these efforts will give officers and investigators more tools to prevent crime and hold offenders accountable.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is proud to serve as a national model for effective public safety strategies. JSO looks forward to translating this partnership into lasting results for the residents, businesses and neighborhoods of Jacksonville for years to come.