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 cities of Biloxi, Gulfport, and Harrison County Mississippi have been certified disparate and have agreed to split the aggregate of Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG funds allocated to them. The City of Gulfport will use JAG funds to increase its drug enforcement efforts through the funding of officer overtime for community policing initiatives. These initiatives will be aimed at deterring mid-and low-level drug dealers and preventing other associated crimes. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office will use its share of JAG funding to purchase in-car computers, which will improve officers' effectiveness and service to the community. The City of Biloxi will use JAG funding to address the department's Post-Katrina staffing issues by implementing a comprehensive Officer Recruitment Program. Specially trained officers will attend job fairs, colleges and universities, and other venues to encourage interested job seekers to become Biloxi Police Officers. Grant funds will also assist the police department in purchasing a vehicle to transport recruiters and equipment in support of this initiative.

NCA/NCF