Enhancing Neighborhood Watch, Graffiti Abatement, and Law Enforcement Services

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 City of Merced, through the City Police Department, will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $20,876 to promote and implement neighborhood watch programs and graffiti abatement in the City of Merced. Staff will be hired to support the Neighborhood Watch program and coordinate meetings in the community. Graffiti abatement efforts will be increased through the provision of Tag Busters, which is the project operated by the Merced Community Action Network that goes into the community to paint over graffiti. The remaining JAG funds will be used to purchase two box Taser Cartridges. This equipment is part of the police department's continuing effort to provide officers with the technology necessary to improve and maintain officer and citizen's safety in the city.

NCA/NCF