Law Enforcement Augmentation Equipment 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 consisting of the Fresno County and the City of Fresno will use their JAG award in the amount of $155,907 for law enforcement purposes. The City of Fresno will utilize their portion of the JAG funds ($128,252) to purchase the following necessary equipment: 1) ammunitions and weapons for the Police Department Training Unit to provide tactical training to enhance the shooting skills of its officers; 2) 35 radar guns that will be used by traffic officers; 3) additional traffic safety equipment for traffic officers, including DOT-approved helmets, riding boots, protective jackets, gloves, and re-enforced riding britches; 4) digital cameras for the Crime Scene Bureau (CSB) Technicians, which will allow for evidentiary photos of property crimes; 5) tracking device digital cameras for Support Services for property crime investigations; and 6) a Scan X Digital Imaging System, which will allow the bomb squad technician to remotely diagnose the innards of a munition, suspicious package, or improvised explosive device (IED). The X-ray equipment has a high-performance sensor that can detect and help interpret images from within the munition or bomb. Additionally, one K-9 dog will be purchased, as well as training for the handler.

The County of Fresno will utilize their portion of the JAG funds ($27,655) to purchase the following equipment:

1) Explosives and other miscellaneous supplies, equipment, and tools for the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit. The EOD Unit conducts training on a regular basis, which requires the use of explosives to maintain the required expertise needed to work in the explosive ordnance environment. Explosives are also needed for the detonation of suspected devices out in the field.

2) Enhanced command/video radio frequency (RF) antenna/microwave assembly. This will improve use of the Sheriff's EOD/SWAT robot in tactical situations that require the use of the robot in diverse environmental conditions.

3) Robot upgrades, including radio upgrade assembly, camera pan/tilt assembly, laser assembly, high intensity light assembly, and cable cutter assembly.

NCA/NCF