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 Lexington Fayette Urban County Government will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its public safety communications system. This will be accomplished through the purchase and installation of 81 radio nodes. These nodes radiate a wireless signal that connects to the internet to provide for a more robust network connection. The Lexington Police Department's high-speed wireless network will be used to expand the capabilities of both street level officer and investigators. Implementation of this network will lead to greater crime prevention and justice information sharing initiatives. Implementation of the network will result in Fayette County being better prepared for emergencies as more officers have access to critical law enforcement and public safety data. Additionally, this project will enhance the functions of multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces by allowing officers to more easily share information as well as the rapid dissemination of critical intelligence data. Officer and public safety will be enhanced by these improvements.

NCA/NCF