Increased Patrol Techniques via Computer Aided Enhancements

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 Berkeley will use their 2009 local JAG award to install laptop computers in the supervisors' patrol vehicles. This will also enable Berkeley Police Department supervisors to monitor both communications and patrol officers through a mobile data center. In addition, the computers will enable dispatcher facilitated silent communication with supervisors, increasing officer safety and the effectiveness of the police officers on patrol.

NCA/NCF