Enhancing Officer and Citizen Safety

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local governments, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The disparate jurisdictions consisting of Blair County and the city of Altoona will use their fiscal year 2009 Local JAG award in the amount of $30,731 to purchase equipment for the Altoona Police Department. The city of Altoona, serving as the fiscal agent, will use $30,731 to purchase equipment that will enhance officer safety, as well as purchase speed enforcement equipment. This equipment will be used to provide added safety to officers and citizens at major incidents such as narcotics/high-risk warrant callouts, barricaded suspects callouts, and hostage negotiations callouts. Funds will also be used to pay officer overtime for speed enforcement details in selected areas. The goal of the city is to increase efficiency, reduce crime, and increase the safety and security of the Altoona Police Department and citizens. Blair County will not receive any funds from this grant.

NCA/NCF