Fiscal Year 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 County of Dekalb will use their Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG award in the amount of $156,633 for activities and projects to prevent or reduce crime and violence in Dekalb County. The FY 2008 JAG funds will be distributed among the following County agencies: Dekalb County Drug Court, Dekalb County Juvenile Court, Marshall's Office, Police Department, McNair High School, Sheriff's Office, and the Office of the Solicitor General.

The Dekalb County Drug Court will use JAG funds for the continuation of a Community Case Manager position. The overall goals are to increase abstinence in drug court participants and reduce criminal behavior. The Dekalb County Juvenile Court will use funds for prevention and education programs. The goals of the programs are to improve attendance at school; improve family interaction as a result of cognitive behavioral programs; decrease juvenile court involvement and recidivism; and decrease positive drug screens. The goals of the Marshall's Office project are to train officers, provide effective service, and enhance public safety. This project will provide the existing firing range with a targeting system to deliver realistic, relevant, and current firearms training.

McNair High School demonstrates significant drug, discipline, and safety problems. The JAG grant funds will be used to recruit, hire, and train a full-time Prevention/Intervention Specialist for the high school. The Dekalb County Jail washer/dryer project will ensure prompt replacement of the current equipment in the jail. The County must remain compliant with the American Correctional Association and National Commission on Correctional Health Care accreditation standards for clean and safe conditions of confinement. The new equipment will ensure the County is able to meet those requirements. The Dekalb County Office of the Solicitor-General will use JAG funds to install speakers, sirens, and visor lights into government vehicles, and to establish the Jobs/Not Jail Program to provide an opportunity for young adults to make positive choices in their lives. The program will involve working directly with the Court to identify those young people who may benefit from extra attention.

NCA/NCF