Equipment Enhancement 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 consisting of the city of Asheville and Buncombe County will use the 2009 JAG award in the amount of $90,560 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The city of Asheville, acting as the fiscal agent, will use $64,516 to purchase in-car video systems for patrol cars. These videos will help protect the interests of citizens as well as the interests of police officers. Buncombe County will use $26,044 to purchase enhanced laser rifle sights and rifle simulator training equipment. These purchases will improve the confidence, skills, and abilities of deputies responding to active shooter situations.

NCA/NCF