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 Athens will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $21,468 to purchase equipment. The Athens Police Department intends to use funds towards the acquisition of digital recording units, a laser range finder, a Body Bunker Shield, and a digital audio/video recorder. The Patrol Division will use the recording units during traffic stops and investigations. The Traffic and Detective Divisions will use the laser range finder to measures distances in crime and crash scenes, allowing for more detail in reconstruction. The Special Operations Team will purchase a protective Body Bunker Shield to provide protection for officers in hostile situations, and the Detective Division will use the audio/visual recording system during interviews and interrogations to support criminal prosecutions.

NCA/NCF