FY 2009 Justice Assistance Grant Program

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 West Memphis City and Crittenden County will use the JAG award in the amount of $93,964 to improve security, enhance evidence tracking, and upgrade outdated equipment. Crittenden County, serving as fiscal agent, will use $27,700 to purchase computers, software, upgrades for radio equipment, consoles, video surveillance cameras, video monitors, cables, and equipment racks. The city of West Memphis will use $66,264 to purchase computers, an evidence database, and software programs for evidence cataloging and storage.

NCA/NCF