Law Enforcement Equipment Project

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 Charlottesville will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $17,998 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The Charlottesville Police Department Law Enforcement Section will purchase 15 duty pistols for members of the SWAT team. The acquisition of this equipment will replace existing pistols that are worn out and beyond their useful life. The Information and Management Services Section will purchase a commercial grade cross-cut shredder to replace the existing strip-cut shredder which is worn out and beyond its useful life. Cross-cut shredders provide more security by cutting paper vertically and horizontally into confetti-like pieces, thus decreasing the likelihood of unauthorized access to sensitive information. The Forensic Unit will purchase a laser gunshot trajectory kit, a reciprocating saw, and five tripods. The laser gunshot trajectory kit is designed to provide accurate projectile trajectories and improve the Police Department's ability to process crime scenes involving firearms. The reciprocating saw will assist in the processing of crime scenes by providing a means to cut into walls and other materials for the purpose of retrieving evidence. The tripods will allow for capturing high quality photographic evidence from crime scenes and traffic accidents.

The General Investigations Bureau will purchase 15 gang unit uniform shirts, one computer projector, a set of lockers, and 10 retention duty holsters. The uniform shirts will be worn by officers and detectives working in the Gang Unit to identify the members of the Unit. This identification will deter the presence of gang members and provide reassurances to the community as a result of the Police Department's visible efforts to reduce gang activity. The computer projector will be utilized to conduct education/prevention training for topics such as drug and gang awareness/prevention, community policing, and internet safety. Existing storage space is very limited within the General Investigation Bureau and lockers are needed to better organize the unit to maximize efficiency and space. The lockers are free standing units and will not involve new construction. The new holsters are intended to replace old ones currently issued to detectives. The new holsters will contain retention features that will greatly enhance the security and safety of the holsters.

NCA/NCF