Richmond County Equipment 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).

Richmond County will use the JAG funds to purchase law enforcement equipment for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase five level III ballistic helmets, six fully automatic rifles, and ammunition for deputies. The officers will be better equipped for confrontations with suspects armed with high power rifles, as each of the weapons will be outfitted with an eotech sight, tlr flashlight, pistol grip, sling, two magazines, and a trunk mount carrier. The sheriff's office will also purchase two Benelli automatic shotguns. These shotguns will give deputies an advantage in close quarter combat.

NCA/NCF