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 San Angelo and the county of Tom Green will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $14,132 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The San Angelo Police Department will use their portion of the JAG funds ($9,751) to purchase two helmet cameras for the San Angelo Police Department SWAT and Narcotics Divisions and one laptop and portable printer for their Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The helmet cameras will assist the divisions to better record their operations in order to have video evidence of criminal incidents. The CID will utilize the laptop and printer to receive statements from victims who are unable to go to the Police Department to give their statement.

The Tom Green County Sheriff's Department will use their portion of the funds ($4,495) to purchase covert surveillance equipment and compatible software. These purchases will provide officers assigned to covert operations with an inconspicuous recording device that will provide evidence of criminal activity as well as to monitor the actions of the officers assigned to these activities.

NCA/NCF