Crime Prevention Education Enhancements

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 city of Gainesville will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $31,281 to produce ten new episodes and three repeat episodes of 'Police Beat.' 'Police Beat' is a community-oriented television show produced by the Gainesville Police Department to promote crime prevention and education. Episodes air monthly on CBS, reaching an estimated 30,000 viewers and replays on four other networks twenty times throughout the month. Each 'Police Beat' gives a behind the scenes look at daily operations, crime trends, on-going investigations, and specialty units within the police department. A recent addition to the show comes at the end of every episode when a Crime Prevention Officer provides a crime prevention tip. Since its inception, 'Police Beat' has won numerous national awards and has been considered a tremendous success. The show is also a three time winner of the Telly Award, honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs. Through this medium, the police department is able to address crime patterns as they occur and utilize tips provided by viewers. The Gainesville Police Department believes that continued development and production of 'Police Beat' will aid in the deterrence and prevention of crime throughout the community.

NCA/NCF