Charging Implementation Project with local law enforcement agencies in Minnesota

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 Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will use the grant funds for an eCharging service currently in development. The eCharging service will electronically submit charging and driving while intoxicated data into the relevant data systems, which will reduce paperwork, eliminate errors and increase the accuracy and completeness of criminal justice data. The efficiency of the eCharging service will result in more officer time spent directly providing services to the community rather than completing paperwork, thereby improving public safety.

NCA/NCF