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 Ocala will use the JAG grant to support initiatives within the Ocala Police Department, 5th Judicial Circuit Marion County Mental Health Court, and the Ocala/Marion County Community Council Against Substance Abuse. Funds will be used to purchase equipment, supplies, and to pay for personnel. The goals are to protect public safety, health, and property, ensure that mentally ill defendants do not languish in the Marion County Jail, ensure legal advocacy for mentally ill defendants, and make sure that the defendant has a stable source of income and medical insurance.

NCA/NCF