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 county of Aiken will utilize its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $11,727 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The Aiken County Sheriff's Department is currently operating patrol vehicles without in-car camera systems. In order to abide by Section 56-529-53 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, which states that all DUI arrests be captured on video, the county will use the entire JAG award to purchase three in-car camera systems. Cameras will be operated during all traffic stops, documenting officer and suspect actions, as well as evidence seized during an authorized search. Information gathered from these videos will also be utilized during court cases and investigations. The purchase of these camera systems is needed not only to meet the requirements of the Code of Laws, but to also protect officers and the community during what is no longer considered a routine traffic stop.

NCA/NCF