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 Texarkana and the county of Miller will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $20,209 to purchase law enforcement equipment to enhance police operations and to increase the safety of the police officers and the community. The Fiscal Agent, the Texarkana Police Department, will use $13,136 to purchase three digital in-car video systems. The new video systems record on DVDs which are easier to store and provide a much higher quality image than VHS tapes. The Miller County Sherriff's Department will use $7,073 to purchase riot control equipment such as shields, helmets, and batons, and a video camera to record actions during riot situations.

NCA/NCF