Training and Equipping Officers to Promote Safe Practices and Effective Policing.

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 City of Puyallup, through the police department, will use the JAG funds to implement vital training and equipment programs to improve officer safety and increase departmental efficiencies. The specialized training for the police department's range team instructors will benefit all divisions within the department including patrol, investigations, and corrections. The range team has improved the methods and length of training offered to their commissioned staff, and the specialized training will provide further benefits in improving the quality of instruction. In addition, the city will use the JAG funds to purchase tasers to assist in de-escalating situations and circumventing the risk of injury to officers, suspects, and victims.

NCA/NCF