Fiscal Year 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 city of Abilene and the county of Taylor will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $19,664 to purchase law enforcement equipment. Both jurisdictions have agreed that the entire award will be split equally between the two entities. The Taylor County Sheriff's Department intends to use their portion of JAG funds to purchase three mobile radios and three portable radios to upgrade their interoperable communications equipment. This equipment meets both state and federal interoperability requirements.

The Abilene Police Department will use their funds to purchase computer hardware and software and communications equipment related to the departmental fleet of vehicles. The police department will also purchase items such as uniforms, helmets, gloves, reflective vests, and cold weather jackets for their specialized units such as the SWAT Team, Bike Patrol, and K-9 Unit. Other purchases may include prisoner cages, shotgun locks, and stop sticks for police vehicles, and law enforcement educational training. These programs and/or purchases will assist the police department in meeting the needs of their growing community.

NCA/NCF