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 disparate jurisdictions consisting of Hamilton County and the cities of Chattanooga and East Ridge City will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to upgrade and improve law enforcement services to their constituents by equipping personnel with state of the art equipment. The city of Chattanooga, serving as the fiscal agent, will use their share of the grant to outfit 50 new officers with uniforms, tactical equipment, and three Toughbook laptops. Hamilton County will use its portion to purchase two police motorcycles which will be utilized in the Traffic Control and the Seatbelt and Child Restraint Law programs. They will also purchase a portable PALM print scanner to assist in booking prisoners. The city of East Ridge City will use its share to purchase 26 tasers for its officers as an alternative to lethal action.

NCA/NCF