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).

Cameron County and the cities of Brownsville and Harlingen are in a disparate relationship, and will share Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG funds ($43,979) to upgrade their computer software and hardware. The county has agreed to allow all of the grant funds to be shared between the cities of Brownsville and Harlingen.

The fiscal agent, the Brownsville Police Department, will use its JAG funds ($31,659) to purchase a set of mobile data computers. These computers, apart from being upgraded versions of the department's current set, will enhance the police department's overall efforts in identifying crime trends, solving crimes, and providing a better delivery service to the community. The City of Harlingen will utilize its funds ($12,320) to improve and upgrade the Police Department's computers and hardware. The Police Department will purchase technological equipment to include computers, monitors, servers, Arc editor software for mapping, and other accessories.

NCA/NCF