Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Justice Assistance 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 Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $29,376 to purchase law enforcement equipment. Specifically, the Sheriff's Office will purchase one monocular night vision security kit and six in-car video cameras. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Highway Drug Interdictions Unit is in need of a monocular night vision security kit to maintain and enhance the unit's ability to deter criminal activity and illegal drug trafficking; increase effectiveness to identify evidence in low or no-light conditions; and strive to improve professionalism and proficiency throughout the Highway Interdiction Program. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office Highway Drug Interdiction Unit is also in need of in-car surveillance cameras. The evidence documented by in-car cameras will increase conviction rates and help the department become more transparent to citizens.

NCA/NCF