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).

Frederick County, through the Frederick County Sheriff's Department, will use its Fiscal Year 2009 Recovery Act JAG award to increase the number of successful prosecutions of traffic violations by 10 percent through the use of in-car video cameras. The in-car video camera is of great value when collecting evidence for traffic violation prosecutions. The sheriff's department currently does not have any in-car videos. The Frederick County Sheriff's Department believes that by placing three in-car cameras in patrol vehicles they can reduce the number of hours deputies spend in court testifying in cases and increase the conviction rate. The sheriff's department will provide statistical data on the improved efficiency of prosecutions reported by affected employees.

NCA/NCF