Methamphetamine Precursor Chemical Diversion Training and Technical Assistance Program

The Methamphetamine Precursor Chemical Diversion Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program is funded under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG Program authorization also states that 'the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary'(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime' (42 U.S.C. 3756).

States are showing an increase in the number of lab seizures in 2008 as compared in 2007. According to the 2009 National Methamphetamine Assessment, methamphetamine availability stabilized and possibly increased after the first half of 2008, which the Assessment attributes to an increase in the domestic production of the drug. States across the country continue to struggle with methamphetamine-related crime and associated problems in their communities. Many crimes against persons (domestic abuse, assaults, sexual assaults) and property crimes (burglaries, thefts, forgeries) may be linked to methamphetamine use. According to a 2007 survey on the methamphetamine epidemic conducted by the National Association of Counties, 55 percent of sheriffs across the nation reported an increase in meth-related robberies and burglaries.

The Methamphetamine Precursor Chemical Diversion TTA Program will support states in their efforts to set up methamphetamine precursor tracking systems and encourage and support planning for interconnectivity between state systems. The Institute for Intergovernmental Research (IIR) will provide planning and implementation guidance that will include a multi-disciplinary approach to implementing tracking systems that will result in increased support of law enforcement efforts to fight methamphetamine production and reduce related crime.

IIR will provide proactive, comprehensive, user-friendly TTA services; administer federal funds including pass-through or subcontract arrangements; develop uniform protocols for the assessment and delivery of TTA, as well as tracking, evaluation, and follow-up; use TTA strategies that include developing tools and resources for grantees, such as distance learning, peer-to-peer consultations, onsite technical assistance, and ongoing technical assistance by phone and e-mail; and plan and host national meetings.

CA/NCF