Best Evidence with Video

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).

Wilson City and the County of Wilson will utilize the Fiscal Year 2008 JAG to strengthen criminal prosecutions through the use of video evidence. Wilson County has a significant amount of drug trafficking and gang problems, which have increased over the past several years. This grant will enable the city and the county to purchase a camera system and related equipment to strengthen presentations in the courtroom. It is anticipated the conviction rate will increase and the number of repeat drug offenders will be reduced as a result of this equipment.

NCA/NCF