Lake County Sheriff's Office S.W.A.T. Upgrade Initiative

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 Lake will utilize its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $28,353 to provide funds to the sheriff's office to upgrade equipment used by its SWAT team. The Lake County Sheriff's Office will purchase a communications system that will protect officer's hearing and provide clear radio communications that is essential in a critical incident scenario. The communications system will be utilized with new combat helmets that meet stringent requirements and unprecedented demands. This equipment is expected to greatly improve the office's ability to respond to and safely control critical incidents that occur in the county. Enhanced communications will also improve safety and coordination efforts between the SWAT team and other jurisdictions during operations.

NCA/NCF