Winchester City FY 2009 JAG Project

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 Winchester will use JAG funds to purchase equipment for the Winchester Police Department. The Winchester Police Department will make tasers available to patrol officers and supervisors. This would provide officers and supervisors with a less than lethal option that allows a safe stand-off distance from the subject and provides maximum effectiveness in gaining compliance. The Winchester Police Department currently has a certified less lethal instructor that would be responsible to certify officers in the use of the 40mm projectile launcher. The Winchester Police Department will continue to provide officers with regularly updated training on the use of tasers.

NCA/NCF