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 town of Southern Pines will use the 2009 JAG funds to purchase three in-car cameras for installation in the police department's marked patrol vehicles. The funds will also provide for the purchase of software and licenses as well as the installation of the system. The video recording of traffic stops, crime scenes, and police-citizen encounters will provide documented evidence of facts that will be used in court as well as in administrative reviews of police actions. The video will also be used to train officers in proper patrol techniques, which will improve safety in the field. In addition, the video will provide evidentiary footage in incidences where creditability is in question. By acquiring this technology, the Southern Pines Police Department will advance its mission of providing the highest quality of service to the residents of its community.

NCA/NCF