Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance 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 Delaware, City of Chester, Borough of Darby, and the Township of Upper Darby will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $63,764 to fund various criminal justice initiatives. The Delaware County District Attorney's office will continue to perform the role of the fiscal agent for the 2008 JAG award. The City of Chester will use their portion of the 2008 JAG funds ($37,494) to purchase updated computer equipment and printers for the Chester Police Department. This equipment includes laptop computers with mobile/wireless capabilities and computers with enhanced graphic capabilities to review digital surveillance tapes and reproduce tapes for investigative purposes. The Department will also purchase portable radios with advanced technology for patrol officers to replace older radios. The Borough of Darby will use their portion of the 2008 JAG funds (14,692) to replace old halogen light bars on seven Darby Police vehicles. The LED technology is more efficient and has considerably more powerful warning capabilities, which in turn improves and ensures officer safety while engaged in operations in hazardous situations. The purchase of the new light bars will also reduce the constant need for repairs and lessen the strain on the vehicles' electrical systems making the improved technology much more cost-effective. The Upper Darby Township will use their portion of the 2008 JAG funds ($11,578) to purchase a larger SQL server for the Upper Darby Township Police Department. This will continue their technological advancements and assist in justice information sharing. The remaining funds will be used to further supplement the use of the Verizon wireless internet cards.

NCA/NCF