FY 2008 JAG 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 City of Kennewick and the County of Benton will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $12,223 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The City of Kennewick will use their portion of the award ($6,111.50) to purchase a graffiti cam for the Kennewick Police Department. The system is designed to immediately notify law enforcement agencies when graffiti-related activities are in progress by sending text messages and images to officers. The camera also records video footage onto digital memory cards that can be removed and used as evidence. The Benton County will use $6,111.50 to purchase additional vehicle docking stations for laptop computers in the Benton County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicles. The docking stations provide touch screen protection and additional ports so officers can utilize additional technological equipment.

NCA/NCF