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 Lee and the city of Opelika will use their Fiscal Year 2008 JAG award in the amount of $15,063 to enhance services provided by the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Lee County will purchase digital video camera equipment ($8,000) and support officer overtime expenses ($7,063). Enhanced video camera equipment will provide officers with improved video evidence resulting in more arrests and convictions. JAG overtime funding will also allow extra personnel to be assigned to high-crime areas and work special assigned details in efforts of reducing crime.

NCA/NCF