Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant 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 Will and the city of Joliet will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $21,802 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The funds will be distributed to each jurisdiction equally. The Will County Executive's Office will oversee the distribution and fiscal management of the funds. Both the county of Will and the city of Joliet plan to utilize the funds to strengthen and support local law enforcement by purchasing in-car cameras for officers. The purpose of the cameras is for digital recording that will increase officer safety, increase officer performance, strengthen local law enforcement training, and support homeland security. In-car cameras improve citizens' confidence in the police profession, enhance the ability to capture and convict violators, increase officer safety, and provide important data to ensure homeland security.

NCA/NCF