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 Somerville will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to purchase equipment and supplies for the Somerville Police Department. The department will acquire computerized facial software to assist detectives during witness interviews, a Kustom Signals Homeland Security Trailer to help the Traffic Unit determine optimal times of day to capture speeders, breakaway safety vests for Somerville officers to wear at traffic accident and crime scenes, and gas mask pouches.

NCA/NCF