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 jurisdiction of the City of Grand Rapids and the County of Kent will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $85,541 for criminal justice purposes. The jurisdictions selected Grand Rapids as the fiscal agent for the JAG award. The jurisdictions agreed on allocations of $39,495 for Kent County and $47,046 for Grand Rapids, which includes administrative costs of 10 percent. Kent County will use funds to update the mobile data computing system and purchase additional tasers for the sheriff's department. Improvements to the mobile data computing system will decrease officer time used to prepare reports, and allow the department to improve service to the community. The additional tasers are expected to enhance officer safety and decrease physical altercations. Grand Rapids will use funds to support a neighborhood-based crime prevention project that is a partnership between the City and two local neighborhood associations. The goal of the project is to increase neighborhood safety by using community organizing and educational techniques. Crime prevention activities will include organizing block clubs and neighborhood watches, conducting home security surveys, and preparing and distributing crime alert materials.

NCA/NCF