FY 2008 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 City of Bridgeport Police Department will use their Fiscal Year 2008 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds in the amount of $104,256 toward the purchase of an armored personnel carrier. The vehicle is a Lenco Bearcat and will be utilized in all high risk operations, officer rescue, and hostage rescue situations. The armored personnel carrier is the final aspect of the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) that will compliment previous JAG grant expenditures and allow the ESU to be fully operational. The need of a highly trained and appropriately equipped emergency response team has become a necessity in providing homeland security in small towns and municipalities.

NCA/NCF