Tacoma/Pierce County Crime Reduction Initiatives

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 Tacoma and Pierce County will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $158,675 for criminal justice purposes. The city of Tacoma will use their portion of JAG funds ($79,337.50) to support Tacoma's Domestic Violence Advocacy program. The JAG grant will partially fund the staffing costs of Tacoma's Domestic Violence advocates and the client support services such as motel vouchers and transportation through services provided at both the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and the city of Tacoma offices. Advocates provide case management and legal advocacy to victims of domestic violence, training, and collaboration with the legal system and other agencies to ensure victim's needs and safety issues are met. Pierce County will use funds ($79,337.50) to support the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Legal interns will be hired to assist with felony drug and identity theft cases. Additionally, funding will be used to support the drug court and the presiding judge in the criminal division (felony cases). The Sheriff's Department will purchase laptop computers and new wireless technology equipment as well.

NCA/NCF