Juvenile Probation

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).

Benton County, along with the Benton County Juvenile Probation Department (JPD), proposes to use JAG funds to implement the 'Why Try' Program and provide two Juvenile Probation Officers to act as liaisons between JPD and the Benton County Sheriff's Office Police Athletic League (PAL) Program, providing leadership and guidance. PAL is a program that relies heavily on athletics and recreational activities to create and cement the bond between police officers and the youth of Benton County. The goals are to promote greater positive communication between the police officers and the youth, promote good citizenship in youth, cultivate and improve moral and civic standards in youth, foster greater positive communication between the police and the community, create an interest among citizens and businesses in their responsibilities to youth, and provide a program of sports, recreation, arts and crafts, counseling, and education.

NCA/NCF