Bessemer Enhanced Mobile Communication Project

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 Bessemer will use their Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award in the amount of $23,755 for the Enhanced Mobile Communication Project. The Bessemer Police Department officers are currently using an outdated repeater based communication system in the 150 mhz. range, and intend to use FY 2008 JAG funds to replace the old communication equipment. The goals of the project are to enhance the communication abilities of Bessemer Police officers while in the field, and to create interoperable communications between Bessemer Police officers and officers from surrounding jurisdictions. To accomplish the goals, the Police Department will replace inoperable communications equipment for use by Bessemer Police Department officers. The Department will use funds to purchase 7 Motorola XTL 2500 portable radios on the 800mhz frequency.

NCA/NCF