JAG In-Car Camera Wireless Microphone Grant 2008

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 Hickory and the county of Catawba will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $13,583 to enhance officer safety during traffic stops and increase successful prosecutions by purchasing wireless microphones for in-car cameras. Microphones enable officers to have their conversations with suspects recorded, marked, and preserved as evidence. When suspects are being recorded with visual and audio technology it is anticipated that suspects are less likely to assault an officer or flee the scene of the incident. Also, the recorded footage can later be used in court to increase the number of successful prosecutions in cases such as DWI where this evidence can help in making determinations of the driver's impairment. This grant will enable the City of Hickory to acquire thirty-five wireless microphones and cables to link with the in-car cameras.

NCA/NCF