City of Niagara Falls Community Policing Liaison / Child Advocacy Project

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 City of Niagara Falls and the County of Niagara will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $25,252 to support separate law enforcement initiatives. The city, through the police department, will apply its share toward the salary of a police liaison. The liaison position will work with neighborhood associations, block clubs, and residents in order to promote community policing concepts and initiatives, in addition to coordinating partnerships with city departments to resolve quality of life issues. The county, through the District Attorney's Office, will purchase a custom audio/video recording system for use in interviewing children who are victims of physical or sexual assault. This system is viewed as a highly effective tool in prosecuting child abuse and assault cases, and securing maximum sentences. As the designated fiscal agent between the disparate jurisdictions, the City of Niagara Falls will be responsible for the general management and oversight of this award.

NCA/NCF