West Virginia Justice Assistance Grant Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The West Virginia Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Committee determined that substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual offenses, juvenile issues, and crimes against the elderly are currently the State's top priorities. In Fiscal Year 2008, the West Virginia Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will utilize JAG funds to continue the hiring of prevention resource officers; to support drug and violent crime task forces; to provide local drug treatment to offenders; to sustain the 'Heads Up ' Child Victimization: Now and Beyond' program, designed to combat domestic violence by providing prevention skills, victim resources, counseling, and perpetrator treatment to adults and juveniles, as well as lessen the impact of sexual assaults in West Virginia; and establish programs aimed at reducing the number of crimes against the elderly with an emphasis on education, prevention, enforcement, and treatment.

While administering the funds, the DCJS will use a portion of their administrative funds to meet and speak with local government officials, law enforcement, and criminal justice professionals to identify criminal justice problems and needs in regards to their grant application; assist potential grantees in the development of grant applications and provide technical assistance to ensure grantees are in compliance with federal and state grant requirements; review reporting procedures and proper record keeping; monitor grantees to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and regulations; and ensure that the objectives of the program are being met. The DCJS will also coordinate with other funding sources and agencies to administer statewide programs more efficiently and effectively. The Fiscal Year 2008 West Virginia JAG program will continue to allow DCJS to ensure that adequate funding is provided to accomplish the JAG Committee's high priority areas.

NCA/NCF