Fiscal Year 2008 Justice Assistance Grant

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 Buffalo and Erie County will utilize their JAG award in the amount of $150,345 to support multiple law enforcement initiatives. Specifically, the Buffalo Police Department will use funds for officer overtime to address both violent crime and quality of life issues by assigning officers to monitor high crime areas to investigate suspicious activities and spotlight enforcement strategies on guns, drugs, gangs, and other violent crime. Funds will also be directed to the Buffalo Department of Community Services for juvenile delinquency prevention programs that aim to divert identified at-risk youth from criminal activity through education and referral services. The City of Buffalo's Drug Court will receive funding for case management services that will assist clients referred by the court with assessment, referrals, and monitoring for compliance conditions. The City's Office of Citizen Services will be provided with funding to support neighborhood restoration initiatives aimed at eliminating residential properties of drug activity and empowering residents to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Funds will also be applied toward the salaries of interns who will be responsible for assisting with community-based crime prevention programs. Erie County, through the District Attorney's Office, will utilize its share of funds to support the salary of a juvenile prosecutor who will focus on significant problems of violent, serial, and gang-related crimes committed by 14 to 19-year olds within the county. For purposes of grant administration, the City of Buffalo Police Department has been designated as the fiscal agent, and will be responsible for the management of this award.

NCA/NCF