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 city of Norfolk will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award towards the purchase of police rifles and non-lethal conducted energy devices for the Norfolk Police Department. Grant funds will also support necessary training for the Police Rifle Program. The Norfolk Sheriff's Office will use JAG funds to improve a training academy through the purchase and installation of state of the art electronic video equipment. The JAG grant will fund a counselor position and associated costs for a treatment program that provides needed treatment support for approximately 40 clients per month with substance use disorders. The JAG grant will fund staff, client training, and other support costs associated with pretrial services, including local offender treatment and mental health evaluations in an effort to assist client's in becoming productive members of the community. Second Chances program, a job readiness training, job referral, and placement program will also be supported by the JAG grant. The program provides family and individual counseling and personal development workshops to ex-offenders to provide them with the skills and assistance needed in order to successfully obtain full-time employment. The purchases and programs supported by the JAG grant will contribute to ensuring public safety, eradicating the problems of crime as a result of substance abuse/mental health disorders, and facilitating the successful reentry of former offenders into society.

NCA/NCF