Fiscal Year 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 disparate jurisdictions of the city of Amarillo and the county of Potter will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $55,393 to purchase law enforcement equipment. Specifically, the Amarillo Police Department will use its portion of JAG funds to purchase twenty Glock 17T pistols, five AR-15 rifles, five Remington 870 shotguns, 30 FX 9002 helmets, thirty FX 3000 neck protectors, ten FX 9000 protective vests, three cases of 9mm rounds, and three cases of .223 rounds for officer training.

The Potter County Sheriff's Department will use its portion of JAG funds to purchase eight digital mobile vehicle radios. The digital mobile systems will provide the Sheriff's Department with voice communications interoperability with area law enforcement, fire, and EMS medical response teams.

NCA/NCF