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 disparate jurisdictions consisting of El Paso County and the city of Colorado Springs will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $476,444 to support the needs of the local law enforcement agencies in the areas of personnel, equipment, supplies, and information systems. The projects funded with this award will preserve two existing positions that otherwise would not have been funded after the spring of 2010. This award will also fund technology efficiencies, such as a Records Management Systems and the mobile data computers in patrol vehicles. The mobile data computers are important because they allow employees of the Colorado Springs Police Department and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office to work more efficiently and provide essential services. In addition, various security upgrades and enhancements at the Municipal Court and at the sheriff's office will increase environmental safety for staff and the community. Finally, the purchase of a trained police dog to replace a retiring dog will assist police officers in protecting the community.

NCA/NCF