Lawrence Police Department Officer Safety, Crime Detection and Officer Evaluation Grant

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 Lawrence will use the JAG funds to purchase 20 portable breath test units. Arrest data generated by officers using the portable breath test units will be monitored and compared with data from past years. JAG funds will be used to purchse 10 taser units that will be issued to officers in an effort to prevent officer injury when dealing with violent offenders and to reduce injuries to violent offenders by providing a less-lethal method of taking persons into custody. JAG funds will be used to purchase a Guardian Tracking evaluation system that will allow administrators to monitor individual officer activity and track and document both bad and good behavior.

NCA/NCF