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 county of Jones and city of Laurel have been certified disparate and are eligible to receive $16,723 under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 JAG award. Jones County will use its portion of the funds to purchase drug screening supplies for juveniles. The County drug tests all juveniles on probation and booked into the juvenile detention center to: identify youth requiring treatment for substance abuse; ensure juveniles comply with the terms of their probation; and ensure the safety of other juveniles and officers assigned to the same centers. The city of Laurel has not yet submitted a narrative indicating how they intend to expend their JAG funds and a special condition has been added to the award.

NCA/NCF