Officer Tactical Safety Equipment and Training 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 county of Rockingham and the town of Derry will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $11,515 to purchase equipment such as X-26 Tasers and simunitions safety training equipment. The town of Derry will purchase 12 X-26 Tasers that will allow more officers to carry the device while on duty. The Tasers have been successful in the resolution of violent physical altercations, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and suspects. The town of Derry will also purchase simunitions equipment that will allow officers to safely train in deadly force situations. The simunitions weapons are non-lethal training handguns that fire a paint-filled cartridge. These weapons allow officers to engage in safe interactive scenario-based firearms training that help improve tactical skills and response to deadly force situations. The purchase of eight complete sets of safety gear, such as helmets, neck protection, groin protection, and protective vests, will allow the department to conduct simunitions training more frequently and safely.

NCA/NCF