2008 Mobile Area Law Enforcement Initiative 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 disparate jurisdictions of the County of Mobile and the City of Mobile will utilize their Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award in the amount of $54,159 for law enforcement and technology improvement. Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the County of Mobile and the City of Mobile will equally share the JAG award. Currently, the Mobile County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) does not have enough Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) computers for all of its sworn personnel. In addition, several of the current laptops are out-dated and under powered which makes them non-compatible with some current software. The MCSO's will purchase 12 Mobile Data Terminals and the related software to automate assigning civil papers and routes to deputies. Also, the MCSO uses wireless cellular aircards in each laptop assigned to deputies working in the patrol and civil division. The aircards give the deputies access to a variety of information that was previously unavailable to them. The MCSO will purchase 150 permanently mounted cellular antennas that will boost the power of the aircards with JAG funds. The Mobile Police Department will use their portion of FY 2008 JAG funds to upgrade equipment. At present, the Mobile Police Department does not have adequate state-of-the-art emergency response equipment to be utilized during terrorism or civil unrest situations. The funds will be used to purchase four fully equipped sniper rifles for rapid and 23 'Stop Sticks' for police vehicles to be utilized to safely immobilize vehicles involved in acts dangerous to life or property.

NCA/NCF