Charlotte County Law Enforcement and Technology Initiative

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).

Charlotte County will use the 2009 JAG funds to initiate four law enforcement projects. The first project is to purchase railed handgun-mounted flashlights advanced security holsters and taser cartridges. The second project will provide additional equipment needed to effectively and efficiently manage evidence. The third project is to expand the department's enhanced 911 equipment to accommodate more personnel during peak hours to handle the growing number of public safety calls being received. This will result in increased service delivery by public safety personnel to the constituents who need it most. The last project is to reduce the time it takes to receive analysis results of evidence submitted to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the FBI, or other laboratories by purchasing equipment that will enhance capabilities to examine evidence in-house. The equipment is expected to lead to an increase in positive identifications in a timely manner and increase safety for law enforcement officers and suspects as well as for the general public.

NCA/NCF