Vermont FY 2008 Edward Byrne Memorial 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 Vermont Department of Public Safety (VDPS) FY 08 JAG funding represents the keystone of organized, coordinated counter drug efforts in Vermont. The Vermont Drug Task Force (VDTF) is comprised of state, county, and local law enforcement officers. It was developed in 1987 and primarily supported by the Edward J. Byrne Formula Grant Program. An advisory group is in place with representation of statewide law enforcement agencies and prosecutors' offices to assist in strategy development and member selection matters for the task force. The overall management of the task force is centralized within the VDPS. The VTDF has the ability to conduct statewide, and interstate investigations that reach internationally. Support of the task force and related criminal justice resources are the highest priority of the JAG funding within the state. The majority of the JAG funding appropriated to Vermont supports the needs of crime victims, juvenile offenders, criminal offenders, and substance abuse prevention and treatment programs. The VDTF is the only state and local multi-agency task force in the state.

NCA/NCF