River Valley Sex Offender and Violent Fugitive Task Force

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), furthers the Department's mission by assisting state and local jurisdictions in improving the criminal justice system and assisting communities in preventing drug abuse and crime. In fiscal year 2007, the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program will focus on funding local, regional, and national efforts within six major categories: 1) targeting violent crime; 2) preventing crime and drug abuse; 3) enhancing local law enforcement; 4) enhancing local courts; 5) enhancing local corrections and offender reentry; and 6) facilitating justice information sharing. All categories combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime.

The County of Sebastian will develop a multi-jurisdictional task force in the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office funded under Category 1: Targeting Violent Crime. They will identify, investigate, arrest and prosecute sex offenders and other violent criminals. The task force will designate investigators from the participating agencies and use purchased equipment, public and private and private computer databases, confidential informants, anonymous tips, and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies to bring criminals to justice.

CA/CF