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).

El Dorado County will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $12,059 to combat the growing problem of identity theft. The District Attorney's Office will have an investigator attend training and conferences related to computer forensics, information security, and handling digital evidence. With the knowledge gained by the investigator, the Office will be able to provide additional training to law enforcement personnel within the county. Funds will also be used to purchase forensic computers, a laptop to be used in the field, and cell phone analysis equipment. Without the proper training and equipment, the county normally waited an extended period of time for an out of county facility to process requests. The 2008 JAG funds will change that by allowing the county to process requests in-house in order to identify and prosecute identity theft rings in a timely manner.

NCA/NCF