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).

The disparate jurisdictions of Westchester County, the city of Mount Vernon, and the city of Yonkers will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant award in the amount of $61,531 to support separate law enforcement initiatives. The city of Yonkers, through the police department, will serve as fiscal agent, responsible for the management and oversight of this award. Its share of funds ($35,283) will be applied toward patrol officer overtime. The temporary, intensive patrols will occur in specific areas of the city in an effort to combat crime and address quality of life complaints. Funds will also be used to purchase technology and emergency equipment that includes computers, hand-held communication devices, and protective gear for criminal investigations and critical incident response. The city of Mount Vernon intends to use funds ($23,171) to purchase a vehicle and communication equipment for its police department to enhance crime prevention services and increase public safety. Westchester County, through the county probation department, will direct funding ($3,077) toward probation officer overtime associated with field activity in selected high-crime areas within the cities of Mount Vernon and Yonkers. The officers will work with police in both cities to conduct field surveillance during night and weekend hours in order to determine whether probationers are in compliance with the terms of their release and obeying the law. Information collected through this effort will also be used to reduce gang activity and street level crime.

NCA/NCF