2009 Edward Byrne Memorial 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 comprised of the city of Pittsburgh and Crawford County will use the 2009 local JAG funds, divided into equal shares of $9,658, to purchase video, camera, and rifle equipment, and bullet proof tactical vests. The Pittsburgh Police Department will acquire one covert surveillance camera that can be used in high crime areas and several digital audio recorders to record interviews with crime victims and suspects. Digital cameras will be purchased in order to document evidence. Police rifles have not been upgraded since 2002, so the department will purchase slings, sling swivels, mounting brackets and polymer stocks. The Crawford County Sheriff's department will purchase six tactical ballistic vests for the High Risk Entry Team.

NCA/NCF