2009 JAG 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 comprised of Mankato and Blue Earth County will use their 2009 local JAG award to implement a 311 non-emergency and on-line reporting system, and will purchase in-car video systems for the sheriff's office. The 311 and on-line reporting programs will create significant time savings when an officer does not have to respond to, investigate, and document minor crimes that can be managed through other methods. The officers will have more time to devote to prevention activities such as traffic enforcement programs, community policing, support of neighborhood associations, and crime prevention/education activities. The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office will purchase two video cameras for their squad cars. In-car video cameras have been requested by both prosecuting attorneys and deputies, as video documentation has resulted in a reduction of court hearings, subpoenas, witness interviews, and call juries.

NCA/NCF