Martin Sheriff's Evidence Collection and Storage Project

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).

Martin County will use the JAG funds to purchase rolling space saver shelving in order to cost-effectively increase the capacity of the forensic science unit of the Martin County Sheriff's Office and extend the use of the existing facility by about five years. Funding will also support purchases of portable light and light-filtering equipment for use at crime scenes. The portable equipment will allow technicians to more easily identify evidence such as fingerprints, stains, fibers, hairs, and other items that are not easily seen in available light. Purchase of this equipment will provide efficient and effective investigation of criminal activity in the county.

NCA/NCF