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 county of Merced will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $17,011 to purchase equipment and supplies for the Merced County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department acts as the Coroner on all suspicious deaths, and part of the JAG award will be used to augment, supplement, and increase the level of necessary forensic and evidence collection supplies. In addition, the funds will purchase infrared beacons and a tactical aircraft night vision system for the helicopter program.

NCA/NCF