ARKANSAS' STATEWIDE JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

As the designated State Administrative Agency (SAA), the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, Office of Intergovernmental Services (DFA-IGS) is responsible for the administration of various federal grant programs including the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (Byrne JAG).  

Project identifiers associated with JAG proposed projects include (1) Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor; (2) Body-Worn Cameras; (3) Computer Software/Hardware; (4) General/ Tactical Video and Audio Equipment; (5) Evidence-Based Programming approaches; (6) Mental and Behavioral Health Training; (7) Community Reentry; (8) Substance Abuse and Delinquency Prevention; (9) Screening and Assessment; (10) Substance Abuse Treatment; and (11) Taskforces.

Arkansas has created a strategic plan identifying three (3) funding priorities for five (5) years beginning with the Byrne JAG fiscal year 2019. The funding priorities identified were Law Enforcement, Behavioral and Mental Health, and Prevention and Education. During the first year of the strategic plan, Arkansas focused on law enforcement efforts; currently with 90% focus toward those efforts. The remaining 10% of pass-through funds have, and will continue, to support criminal justice improvements with behavioral and mental health being the 2nd Priority and prevention and education the 3rd Priority.