Law Enforcement Technology and Equipment Upgrade Project

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 and county of Pueblo will share the JAG award and use the funds to purchase thermal imagers, license plate readers, and laptop computers for the city police department and the county sheriff's office. Thermal imagers detect body heat, allowing officers to 'see' through darkness and camouflage, permitting them to locate suspects and prevent escapes and ambushes. The license plate readers scan thousands of license plates in a shift and instantly notify the officer of stolen vehicles, stolen plates, wanted parties, and known gang members. Officers and deputies will use the laptop computers to receive CAD calls for service, write and submit reports, and run clearances. The city will give the county $7,915 of the total award.

NCA/NCF