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 county of Muskegon and the city of Muskegon will utilize their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $16,776 to purchase law enforcement equipment. Muskegon County has experienced an increase in criminal activity over the last several years due to a decrease in job opportunities. Muskegon is known as an 'Industry County' and over the last two decades, companies have been slowly moving away from the county or closing business permanently. The increase in criminal activity has lead to a rise in population within the county jail. On a daily basis, the inmate population will average or exceed 400 inmates. The Muskegon County Sheriff's Department would like to use the 2008 JAG funds to purchase fifteen X26 Tasers and related equipment. Tasers will be provided to personnel working in the county jail, court building, and on road patrol that currently lack this piece of equipment. The Taser is used in place of conventional weapons to reduce the amount of force needed to control aggressive inmates and arrestees. Training for all staff will be provided by a certified instructor currently employed by the department, and ongoing training will be available through three additional certified instructors at various law enforcement agencies. The department will monitor the use and effects of all equipment purchased through logs and written reports. These reports will be reviewed monthly by command and adjustments to policy and procedures will be made as required. With this 2008 JAG funding, the department feels it will be able to reduce deputy and suspect injuries while also providing a safer environment for the communities of Muskegon County.

NCA/NCF