Montana Offender Notification and Tracking System Continuation

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 Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association will use the FY2009 grant funds for an Offender Notification and Tracking System. They will provide electronic monitoring devices to the law and justice system as an additional tool that will be used to help criminals with mental illness move from incarceration and into appropriate treatment programs. The Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association will collaborate with the Flathead County Detention Facility, the Western Montana Mental Health Center in Flathead County, and AquilaVision Corporation to identify offenders who will benefit from the program.

NCA/NCF