FY 2008 Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

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 of Portland and the county of Cumberland are disparate jurisdictions that will share Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG funding. The Portland Police Department will utilize its FY 2008 JAG funds to purchase a mobile video camera system for installation in police cruisers. Mobile video cameras haven been proven to be an important tool for law enforcement. Videoing can also be used for training purposes either as a tool for self-critique or in more formal training settings. The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office will use the funds to purchase equipment, such as a radio transmission recorder, a throw phone/camera unit, a night vision rifle scope, and three additional night and vision goggles. They will also need to replace an old and outdated radar unit, an in-cruiser camera, and an updated computer system powerful enough to handle today's video software technology.

NCA/NCF