Joint Agency Technology Upgrade Project

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 Coeur D'Alene and the county of Kootenai will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $30,745 to upgrade technology available to area law enforcement. The city will purchase a laser crime scene diagram system and an electronic fingerprint system. Laser crime scene diagram systems provide investigators with the ability to diagram and recreate a crime scene with laser accuracy. This greatly enhances the evidentiary value during the investigation and in court. Electronic fingerprint systems accurately capture fingerprints with quality checks that reduce the time and increase success of prints sent for analysis. Kootenai County will utilize their funds ($10,403) to purchase mobile data terminals for their Sheriff's Department patrol vehicles. For grant administration purposes, the city has been designated as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF