Justice Assistance Grant

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 Missouri Department of Public Safety's Narcotics Control and Assistance Program (NCAP) will use the State's JAG award to fund programs and activities that address Missouri's illicit drug and violent crime problems. The Missouri Department of Public Safety focuses on enforcement, interdiction, prevention, education, treatment, criminal litigation, improving criminal history records, and improving systems that measure, analyze, and report statewide illicit drug and violent crime data. Missouri proposes to address statewide illicit drug issues by developing programs that provide resources for law enforcement efforts supporting multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, street level drug enforcement, marijuana eradication, and sting operations. Missouri will also focus on and enhancing multi-jurisdictional drug task force programs, interdiction programs, and single agency units to address the illicit drug problem in the state.

The NCAP will continue to implement programs to combat the abuse and sale of illegal drugs, strengthen communities, and employ multi-jurisdictional responses to ensure public safety. Missouri will implement data collection, analysis, and evaluation components for NCAP strategic planning and contract administration, and continue efforts to upgrade criminal information systems to capture data needed to perform illicit drug and violent crime strategic planning. Grant funds will be used to maintain and enhance current community policing programs designed to increase community and law enforcement partnerships. Additionally, JAG grant funds will be used to support substance abuse awareness and prevention efforts. Prevention efforts will be continued by enhancing current drug education programs for elementary, middle and high school students. Community initiatives such as Safe haven, School Resource Officers, and Summer Job programs will be continued. Funds will also be used to increase specialized equipment available for investigating and prosecuting child abuse and neglect cases and promote new strategies and methodologies in dealing with child abuse and neglect related problems. Juvenile treatment and intensive supervision programs will be continued in conjunction with the Missouri Division of Youth Services, and adult drug treatment programs will continue to be developed and implemented through coordination with the Missouri Department of Corrections.

NCA/NCF