Safety First

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 Kinston City and Lenoir County will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $10,792 to enhance officer safety. Specifically, the city will use its portion of JAG funds to purchase one Watchguard video camera with three removable hard drives. This will prevent officer injuries and identify offenders who assault officers during vehicle stops or transports. The county will use its portions of the JAG to purchase eight AR15 rifles for its patrol division.

NCA/NCF