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 Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas will use the Congressionally Selected Awards funds to support the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department Victim Services Unit (VSU). The project will implement a fifteen month program to continue law enforcement services and enhance the local criminal justice system to better serve the needs and improve the quality of life of its citizens. This program will enhance police-based victim services and improve the capacity of law enforcement to successfully investigate and prosecute criminal cases. Through this initiative, the VSU plans to increase the capacity of the criminal justice system to effectively plan, manage and allocate resources by collaborative policy review and recommendation. The program will also encourage information sharing among criminal justice agencies and community victim service providers by continuing regular collaborative and educational activities. Current initiatives will be continued to expand the capability of the VSU to reach out to victims of crime and provide tools for the successful investigation and prosecution of crimes.
NCA/NCF