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 disparate jurisdictions of the city of Las Cruces and the county of Doña Ana will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $28,927 to upgrade their law enforcement equipment and address escalating gang violence. The Las Cruces Police Department (LCPD) will address the shortage of rifles for uniformed patrol officers, and Dona Ana Sheriff's Office (DASO) will use their funding to support their D.A.R.E. program to assist the youth in making better life choices regarding gangs, guns, and drugs.

The City of Las Cruces one of the top 30 fastest growing population areas in the country for the last decade. With this realization comes the challenges of managing increased poverty, acceleration of crimes and drug trafficking incidents which are already a problem, lack of adequate housing, the deterioration of older neighborhoods, and unmet healthcare and educational needs. Additionally, there is the looming threat of terrorist activity which is posed by the international border areas. The Las Cruces Police Department will purchase ten Colt AR15 rifles and accessories, ammunition, and in-house training in order to protect the citizens of the city.

NCA/NCF