Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program FY2008

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 Philadelphia will divide its funding among city departments, agencies, and programs. The Police Department will use funds for overtime and to rent vehicles for surveillance activities. The Recreation Department will provide enhanced services geared to promote youth programs as alternatives to criminal activity and reduce gun availability to teens. The Department of Licenses and Inspections will fight urban blight by sealing up vacant and abandoned buildings throughout the city. The District Attorney's Office will use funds to support its Public Nuisance Task Force that works to eliminate drug related nuisance locations, such as crack houses, marijuana stores, and bars that function as fronts for drug sales and prostitution. The Drug Treatment Court and Night/Quality of Life Court will use funds to continue operations. The School District of Philadelphia will continue its citywide, community-oriented truancy intervention program. The Managing Director's Office will provide support to the police department and funding for officer overtime. The Mayor's Office on Re-Entry will provide services to individuals returning from incarceration and seeking services.

NCA/NCF