Virgin Islands FY 2022 John R. Justice Prosecutors and Public Defenders Incentive Program

Application ID 13680451

BJA FY 22 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program

Proposal Abstract

The territory of the United States Virgin Islands endeavors to participate in the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program. This federal assistance provides the ability for legal counsel professionals to pay existing student loans.  The Virgin Islands John R. Justice (JRJ) Student Loan Repayment Program will be offered as an incentive to recruit and retain qualified prosecutors and public defenders in the territory within both the local prosecution office and the public defender’s office.  The Virgin Islands JRJ Repayment Program will offer contractual repayment agreements to eligible and qualifying professionals with the expectancy that program participants will submit to agreed-upon years of service.  As there has been a lapse in years since this program was available in the Virgin Islands, the Law Enforcement Planning Commission (LEPC) will provide outreach, and education of the program and solicitation notices of applications for potential participants. LEPC will monitor approved applicants for program compliance; as well meets its designated administering agency responsibilities, of reporting and management obligations of the John R. Justice Grant Program.