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 city of Santa Monica will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $19,948 to continue their DNA and Advanced Forensic Evidence Testing Program. The JAG funds will be used to pay fees associated with using the crime lab for forensic analysis. The Santa Monica Police Department uses the Orange County Sheriff's Crime Lab for forensic services. The Santa Monica Police Department also uses JAG funds to operate a cold case program within the constraints of existing staffing levels. Investigators select older homicides and rape cold cases for review to determine if DNA, body fluids, hair and fiber, or ballistic samples are still viable for testing and eligible under the applicable statue of limitations. Evidence from eligible cold cases is then submitted for analysis.

NCA/NCF