Sisseton-Wahpeton Justice Assistance 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 Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Reservation will use its Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $10,288 to continue the operation of its tribal court system. This grant will assist the Oyate Court in responding to an increasing caseload involving drug and alcohol-related crime in the community. Specifically, the funds will be used to provide salary, benefits, and training for the assistant to the prosecutor, consultant fees, and administrative supplies. The assistant to the prosecutor will be responsible for interviewing witnesses and victims of crime, as well as helping on criminal arrangements and other court appearances. Fringe benefits will include those items typically covered including FICA, social security, unemployment, workers compensation, and insurance expenses. The line-items for consultants include monies for the elders who will provide sentencing alternatives for the court, as well as alternative dispute resolution methods in certain criminal matters. Supplies will include the necessary office supplies, phone and fax expenses, drug testing kits, and other necessary supplies. The kits will be used to assure that the juveniles on probation are not using drugs during the term of their probation period.

NCA/NCF