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).

Arlington County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to purchase law enforcement equipment. The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) proposes to use its 2009 JAG funding to upgrade the ballistic vests of the police officers to allow the officers to wear the vests on top of their uniforms rather than underneath. Additionally, the police department will purchase ceramic/composite insert plates to upgrade body armor to provide extra protection in incidents involving high velocity firearms threats.

The Arlington County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) proposes to use its funding for equipment that will enhance its operational capabilities. The purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders will replace older cylinders that are currently in service throughout the jail and used in the event of an emergency in the jail or courthouse. Deputies would be the last ones out of the building in case of an emergency and would need to obtain breathable air from SCBA cylinders when exposed to a toxic environment. The additional items to be purchased are for the Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT) and includes gas masks and various firearms related accessories. The gas masks, used during cell extractions, and the firearms accessories will enhance ACSO's overall mission in providing security to the jail, courthouse, and during prisoner transports especially under high-profile and high-risk situations.

NCA/NCF