2008 Justice Assistance Grant 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 cities of Portland and Gresham and Multnomah County will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $269,422 for criminal justice purposes. The city of Portland is the fiscal agent for the JAG funds. The Portland Police Bureau will use funds ($133,653) to support two limited-term information and referral specialists positions within the detectives' division. The two specialists will answer and/or respond to approximately 4,800 calls per month on the non-emergency police line. The Multnomah County District Attorney's Office will use funds ($105,013) to hire one district attorney position for a variety of court programs that reduce crime and improve public safety. The city of Gresham will use funds ($30,756) to purchase equipment, supplies, and technology enhancements for officers at the Gresham Police Department.

NCA/NCF