School Resource Officer 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).

The city of Port Angeles will apply fiscal year 2009 JAG funding towards essential law enforcement services provided to the community. Specifically, the city police department will use the grant to support a portion of the salary and fringe benefits of a school resource officer assigned to the Port Angeles High School. In addition to providing a safe environment within the school, the officer interacts with students becoming a mentor, a role model, and a teacher, ultimately bridging the gap between youth and the police.

NCA/NCF