Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $200,000)
The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Department will utilize the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award to support its Stop the Offender Program Special Crimes Unit (SCU) by procuring law enforcement supplies for daily operations (drug testing kits, technical supplies, field and tactical items); sending SCU officers to narcotics investigation training; and paying for SCU operating expenses (lease, vehicle insurance and fuel, utilities, canine expenses, etc.)
The SCU is a cooperative law enforcement effort among the Johnson County Sheriff's Department; the Cleburne, Burleson, Joshua, and Alvarado Police Departments; and the Cleburne Marshal's Office. The unit is intended to disrupt and dismantle criminals and criminal enterprises through the use of undercover operations, covert surveillance, and overt interdiction efforts.
The SCU will employ undercover tactics as well as covert surveillance methods to identify those who engage in criminal activities, and overt tactics such as criminal interdiction will be used for purposes of apprehension. Emphasis will be given to investigating organized criminal activity with a focus on narcotics trafficking and terrorism issues. The population served are citizens who reside within the geographical boundaries of Johnson and Tarrant Counties and within the city limits of Burleson, Texas.
NCA/CF