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).

The county of Washington will use its Fiscal Year 2009 Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $22,900 to boost its crime reduction and prevention strategy. The funds will be used by the Washington County Sheriff's Office to upgrade its Traffic Enforcement and Vehicle Theft Recovery Initiatives by purchasing an automated license plate reader and 10 shotguns. The decision by the Washington County Commissioners to use the 2009 grant funds in this way reflects their commitment to ensuring the health, safety, and protection of the citizens of Washington County by having well trained, equipped, and prepared law enforcement officers. The sheriff's office will issue thorough, comprehensive written progress and fiscal reports to keep all interested parties apprised of the coordinated effort of moving forward toward the goal of preventing and reducing crime in Washington County.

NCA/NCF