2024 Oklahoma Justice Assistance Grant Program

The Oklahoma District Attorneys Council (DAC) proposes a comprehensive Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to address violent crime and substance abuse issues across the state. The project's primary purpose is to enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve inter-agency collaboration, and support community-based initiatives to reduce crime and recidivism. The program will focus on funding multijurisdictional drug and violent crime task forces, gang-related enforcement and prosecution projects, residential substance abuse treatment for incarcerated offenders, and equipment for local law enforcement agencies.

Key activities will likely include continued support of multijurisdictional Drug and Violent Crime Task Forces (DVCTFs) to combat drug trafficking, violent crimes, and gang activities. These task forces will collaborate with local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and resources. Funding will also support specialized gang prosecution units in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties to target gang-related shootings, firearms offenses, and drug crimes. Additionally, the program aims to support innovative and/or evidenced-based programs which could include residential substance abuse treatment programs for incarcerated offenders, or data-driven precision policing.

Expected outcomes include increased arrests and successful prosecutions of violent offenders and drug traffickers, improved inter-agency cooperation, reduced recidivism rates among treated offenders, and enhanced capabilities of local law enforcement agencies through equipment upgrades. The program also anticipates fostering better community relations and increasing public safety through targeted initiatives.

The service area encompasses the entire state of Oklahoma, with a particular emphasis on both urban centers and rural communities. Intended beneficiaries include law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, incarcerated individuals seeking substance abuse treatment, and the general public who will benefit from reduced crime rates and improved public safety.

While specific subrecipients have not been finalized, potential recipients include local police departments, sheriff's offices, district attorney's offices, and correctional facilities across Oklahoma. The DAC will oversee the subgrantee award process, ensuring fair distribution of funds based on demonstrated need and alignment with program goals. This comprehensive approach aims to create a safer Oklahoma by addressing the interconnected issues of drug abuse, violent crime, and gang activity through enhanced law enforcement capabilities and targeted intervention programs.