Crime Prevention Unit Enhancement Project

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 North Beach, Florida, is experiencing a significant increase in violent crimes. Between January and June of 2008, three police officers were shot. One officer died and the others were seriously wounded. In an effort to reduce violence, the North Beach Police Department plans to use Fiscal Year 2008 grant funds to:

1) Enhance the Police Department's community outreach efforts via the use of technology by purchasing a remote control robotic car specially designed as a miniature police car to attract children at a variety of venues such as: classrooms, assemblies, station tours, mall and store exhibits, state and local fairs, and other appropriate activities.

2) Inform the community of crime statistics, crime trends, and safety measures through the use of an internet crime mapping service.

3) Enhance the Police Department's ability to offer crime related services to the community by sending three officers to the National Crime Prevention Councils Annual Training Conference (NCPCATC). NCPCATC offers up-to-date crime prevention strategies and best-practices from experts from around the country.

NCA/NCF