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 county of Anderson will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $29,089 to support and enhance the Court Security and Gang Intelligence Units. The Court Security Unit of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office provides security service for the county courthouse, screening every visitor that enters the building. Since 2004, there has been an increase in the number of visitors entering the courthouse due to a rise in arrests, and the current equipment no longer meets courthouse requirements. There are three entrances to the courthouse and with the lack of appropriate equipment, only one is currently operational. The county would like to use $11,214 towards the purchase of three new metal detectors with 'zonal' technology. These detectors have the capability to detect hidden objects anywhere on the body, and are highly mobile, allowing deputies to move detectors to various locations as needed. This upgrade in technology will allow all three entrances to be properly secured and assist deputies in maintaining a safe environment for all who enter the Anderson County courthouse.

The Gang Intelligence Unit (GIU) of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office was created in an attempt to reduce increased gang activity within county limits. The $17,875 allotted to the GIU will be used to purchase a software program, digital camera, storage cabinets, laptop, video projector, printer, speech-translating equipment, and a Universal Forensic Extraction Device (UFED). Current software developed to aid in tracking and storing gang related data does not allow for cross-reference of gang members with known associates from past and present cases. A relational software program will allow the unit to better track data involving gangs, incidents, evidence, and investigations. A digital camera will allow deputies to photograph suspects and track gang graffiti. The laptop, video projector, and printer are needed to increase citizen awareness through presentations at school functions and community watch meetings. The speech-translating equipment is needed due to the increased number of suspects that do not speak fluent English. The UFED will be used to extract data, photos, and text from cellular phones which normally presented a long turn-around time waiting for data to be acquired from telephone companies. Lockable storage cabinets will be used to store and secure all equipment involved with the unit. With the addition of more advanced technology and equipment, the unit will be able to better serve Anderson County.

NCA/NCF