Local JAG

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 Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office and city of Lake Charles have been certified disparate and have agreed to sevenly distribute the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG funds. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office will use their portion to make improvements to the Uniform Patrol and the Investigations Divisions through equipment purchases. The goals of their project are to: assign electronic control devices (ECD) to all uniform patrol deputies within the next three to five years; improve the investigative support process regarding technological upgrades of the agency's aging polygraph system and subsequent training of personnel; and improve the overall agency performance relative to law enforcement, public and officer safety, public service, and risk management. The city of Lake Charles will utilize its share of the funding to upgrade the communications system in their Mobile Command Center. Grant funds will greatly increase communications between department commanders and personnel in the field during deployment and shall enhance the safety of individuals involved.

NCA/NCF