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).

Accomack County will use JAG funds to purchase equipment for the sheriff's office. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase Blackberries for deputies in order for them to have access to the National Crime Information Center and the Virginia Crime Information Center from their patrol cars. The Blackberry 8330 phone can be used for the wireless connection needed to run the Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in the patrol units. Deputies will be able to complete police reports while at the same time maintaining visible contact with residents in the community The sheriff's department will also purchase in-car video cameras to allow deputies to record events that occur while conducting investigations, which is very important in evidence collection, training, and prosecuting cases. These purchases will increase efficiency in response to calls for service, increase patrol visibility in the community, and enhance officer safety when patrolling rural areas.

NCA/NCF