Technology Enhancement 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 disparate jurisdictions of the cities of Beaumont and Port Arthur and the county of Jefferson will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $53,171 to purchase law enforcement technology. All three agencies plan to use their portion of the JAG funds to replace old technology and software with current technology and software. The Beaumont Police Department will use their share ($33,896) to purchase computer hardware, software, audio visual equipment, security equipment, officer safety equipment, and communication equipment. The Port Arthur Police Department will use their share ($11,299) to purchase mobile radios, mobile data computers, and required training for the new equipment. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department will use their share ($7,976) to purchase computer hardware, software, audio visual recording and enhancement equipment, security equipment, crime detection equipment, and communication equipment. These projects will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments and the public they serve.

NCA/NCF