Gang Suppression and Neighborhood Stabilization-Wave Three

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 Meriden Police Department will use their Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $14,430 to supplement and expand service to their Neighborhood Initiative and Crime Suppression Unit. Funding will allow the department to add a two manned patrol unit and an additional 259 service hours to strictly enforce motor vehicle laws in a proactive attempt to curb drug and gang activity. The Meriden Police Department created the Neighborhood Initiative and Crime Suppression Unit to address local quality of life issue and to combat the rising gang activity of the early 1990's. Aggressive enforcement of traffic laws and additional service hours will allow the department to gather vital information that will assist in preventing planned acts of gang violence and once again bring an improved quality of life to the City of Meriden.

NCA/NCF