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).

Comal County will use the JAG funds to purchase equipment and provide first responder HAZMAT training for the sheriff's office. Specific purchases include first responder personal protective equipment and riot control agent canisters. The sheriff's office will also use funds to enhance their first responder training in relation to the Incident Command System. The project goals are to properly train and equip first responders, which is vital for the safety and security of the citizens and visitors of Comal County.

NCA/NCF