2008-09 Harrisburg & Dauphin County JAG

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).

Dauphin County will use their portion of the 2008 JAG funds to maintain and train staff for Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance Program, originally implemented by previous JAG Local Assistance grant monies. The maintenance of one full time and one on-call advocate will sustain the operational readiness of the office and continue addressing the needs of clients to be served without compromise. One of the full-time positions will maintain an office within the Harrisburg City Police Department, the agency covering the territory representing the greatest need for advocates. The on-call advocate will be utilized to enhance after hours availability and response times. Additionally the office has recently received grant funding to hire a Latina Crime Victim Advocate due to the large increase in a need for Spanish speaking resources in the city of Harrisburg.

The City of Harrisburg will use their portion of the 2008 JAG funds to implement two sub-stations at housing projects within the City of Harrisburg: Hooverter Homes and Hall Manor. Four full-time officers already on staff with the Bureau will man the substations, but equipment for the substation is required. As such, the funds will cover the purchase of 2 computers, a printer, a copier, a T-1 line, and general offices supplies for each sub-station.

NCA/NCF