FY2008 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 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 State of South Carolina Department of Public Safety ' Office of Justice Programs (OJP) will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) by awarding grants to various agencies to address violent crime throughout the state. South Carolina OJP will allocate funds in four of the JAG purpose areas: Law Enforcement, Prosecution and Court, Prevention and Education, and Planning, Evaluation and Technology Improvement. Law Enforcement programs will include the following projects: 1) multi-jurisdictional task forces to target drug distribution networks including manufacturing operations (e.g., methamphetamine); 2) upgrading equipment for local law enforcement agencies, such as radio systems, forensic equipment, weapons, uniforms, emergency/disaster equipment, court security devices, and in-car videos; and 3) providing domestic violence and child/elder abuse investigators. Prosecution and Court programs will address the following areas: 1) violent crime prosecution projects that provide for prosecutorial resources to concentrate on offenders accused of violent crimes; 2) criminal domestic violence prosecution projects providing prosecutorial resources to concentrate on offenders accused of criminal domestic violence; and 3) mental health courts that seek to systematically address mentally ill offender caseloads by providing support services to the offenders backed-up by the sanctions of the courts. Prevention and Education programs will fund school resource officers to enhance security in public schools. Planning, Evaluation and Technology Improvement programs will enhance or increase the efficiency of the transmission of criminal justice records between components of the state criminal justice system. The applicant is requesting ten percent of the JAG funds, $206,968, for administrative costs and certifies that more than 47.5% of the state JAG award will be passed through to units of local government. Administrative funds will include: hiring of personnel, personnel travel costs, replacement of outdated equipment, supplies, and indirect costs.

NCA/NCF