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 Sioux Falls and the county of Minnehaha will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $42,318 to purchase equipment and continue to fund correctional personnel. The Sioux Falls Police Department will purchase a walk-in freezer to preserve evidence containing potential biological DNA samples with their portion of the JAG award ($27,506.70). The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office will use their portion of the award ($14,811.30) to continue to fund the Community Corrections Program Coordinator position. This position is vital in helping to meet the current goals of the corrections staff. The position is responsible for various jail programs, community service, classification of inmates, housing decisions, and providing inmates with a safe environment. These significant enhancements will help with the effectiveness and efficiency of both the Sioux Falls Police Department and Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.

NCA/NCF