Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $1,609,827)
The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.
The Alabama District Attorney's Association (ADAA) in partnership with Alabama Department of Public Safety (ADPS) will continue the vigorous prosecution of meth crimes, as well as address the recent surge in gang activity that is perpetuating the overall illegal drug problem in Alabama. The goal of the project is to prevent gang violence through the use of training and law enforcement cooperation and communication.
The District Attorneys will continue to educate and prevent the spread of methamphetamine and other drugs through a cutting edge, comprehensive public education program, and the ZEROMETH campaign tailored locally within each particular community. Each District Attorney prosecutes methamphetamine cases that have been investigated by state, local or federal law enforcement. The program will provide them with additional equipment, supplies, and travel funds. Additionally, specialized investigators, prosecutors, and trial personnel will be funded with grant funds to increase drug and gang prosecution as they relate to the major interstate distribution network throughout the state.
The ADAA in partnership with ADPS, proposed to create the Alabama Drug and Gang Initiative that will create a coordinated enforcement effort that will include statewide drug interdiction, gang prosecution, information sharing, and condemnation efforts. Lastly, ADAA plans to enhance communications and information sharing among law enforcement, to assist gang investigations using translator devices, increase public awareness by conducting public information presentations on gang violence prevention and gang recognition, and increase the number of gang trainings.
NCA/NCF