Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2007, $410,870)
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 Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will purchase and install an integrated videoconference system to connect correctional institutions and the court system. This innovative communications system will allow the court system to view inmate hearings directly from correctional institutions without moving the offender or law enforcement staff. The system will increase the safety of law enforcement officers, correctional staff, inmates, and the general public by reducing the risks associated with transporting inmates to and from the court.
CA/NCF