New York State Byrne 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 New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG funds to support initiatives related to: 1) improving the accuracy of criminal justice records and facilitating electronic data sharing; 2) expanding capabilities of forensic laboratory services, to include ballistic evidence and DNA processing; 3) enhancing prosecution and enforcement efforts in relation to gangs, violent crime, illegal gun trafficking, drug abuse, and identity theft; and 4) enhancing training, guidance, and assistance in the development of effective intelligence-led crime reduction strategies and local crime analysis. Sub-award funding will be determined through state government discretion and two solicitations. The focus of one solicitation will be to enhance the ability of prosecutors and police in New York City to combat violent crime and enhance offender re-entry strategies. The focus of the second solicitation will be to assist public forensic science laboratories in gaining and maintaining New York State accreditation; increase and maintain the effectiveness, efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of laboratory services; and ensure compatibility with other state and federal forensic laboratories. Funding will be competitively awarded, with each applicant agency encouraged to define and prioritize critical areas of crime within their jurisdictions. For purposes of grant management and oversight, DCJS will utilize ten percent of the state JAG allocation for administrative purposes.

NCA/NCF