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 Putnam County Sheriff's Office (PCSO)will use 2008 JAG funds to update its automated systems, support its Street Crimes Unit, and purchase items necessary to enhance the Office's communications systems. The PCSO currently has no automated system in place to manage training, certification, testing, assessment, firearm qualifications, etc. With grant funds, they will purchase software to collect and manage this data, monitor personnel training and certification, and evaluate individuals.

Currently, the PCSO has an effective Street Crimes Unit that focuses on hot-spots to reduce the incidence of certain kinds of street-level crimes. JAG funds will pay for overtime so that these officers can engage in more stings, patrols and other law enforcement related activities. Remaining JAG funding will allow for the purchase of five Net Motion licenses (with air cards) and a blackberry for the Assistant Chief of Patrol. This equipment will allow officers to retrieve data reliably without having to report back to the Office.

NCA/NCF