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).

Osceola County will use the 2009 JAG funds to support the Osceola County Corrections Department in operating two educational programs for inmates that focus on information communication and ways to reduce specific behaviors. The Drug Offender Prevention Education program seeks to decrease illegal drug use, decrease crime and recidivism, and increase inmate productivity. The Victim's Awareness Education program serves to increase awareness of the offenders' roles within the community and the impact of criminal actions on others, increase knowledge of the victim's experience, increase empathy, and encourage more responsible behavior. The end result for both programs is preventing criminal behavior, encouraging positive re-entry into society, and decreasing recidivism.

NCA/NCF