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).

Okeechobee County will use the JAG funds to ensure that patrol officers are equipped with supplemental equipment required to accomplish their assigned law enforcement tasks and duties. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase firearms and ammunition, patrol vehicle and patrol vessel equipment, surveillance equipment, safety equipment, vehicle laptop replacements, holsters, and belts. The new equipment will better equip the officers and will allow the officers to provide better service to the community.

NCA/NCF