Erie was awarded a total of $102,023 in funding to bolster indigent defense. 

The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's newly enabled Indigent Defense Advisory Committee. 

The new grant aims to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of indigent defense services in Pennsylvania. 

The funding will be used to recruit and retain staff, improve data collection and reporting, provide necessary training, professional development and technical assistance. It will also be to address any other needs identified by the county in a collaboration with  indigent defense service providers.