Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $1,925,000)
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.
San Bernardino County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 award to support the San Bernardino and Riverside County Regional Identification System. Law enforcement officers must rapidly identify criminals and threats to national safety. A Regional Identification System allows law enforcement to quickly identify a suspect or potential terrorist within minutes, and greatly decreases the amount of time it takes to book a suspect into custody. Currently, it takes two to four hours to positively identify a suspect by fingerprints. Using handheld wireless devices with mobile identification software or computer workstations with FAST-ID software, officers on patrol can directly receive information and pictures of suspects. However, this technology is expensive and difficult to manage without the proper resources and personnel. The current mobile identification program searches the California Department of Justice database, and continued funding could allow access to local and federal databases by following the National Information Exchange Model presently being designed. The award will continue to maintain the scope of the Regional Identification System. San Bernardino County will purchase various software upgrades and licenses, maintain wireless cellular network circuits, and pay maintenance and connection fees.
NCA/NCF