Local JAG

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 Summerville Police Department will use their JAG funds to ease communication between the police department and the population of Somerville, where more than fifty languages are spoken. Specifically, the department will use the money to hire interpreters and to pay officers to partner with minority churches. This will help the department get past language barriers and gain trust with the local population. In addition, the department will also be purchasing Locator Plus software, which will help them identify and track criminal activity.

NCA/NCF