Kalamazoo JAG 2009

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 Kalamazoo County and the cities of Kalamazoo and Portage will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award, in the amount of $127,626, to support the needs of the local law enforcement agencies in the areas of technology, equipment, and program enhancements. These funds will be used to purchase technology and equipment to support street officers. The following will be obtained to enhance the effectiveness of the officers: communications equipment, digital storage, digital video cameras, and computer-based training. Kalamazoo County will utilize $10,000, the city of Kalamazoo will utilize $63,623, and the city of Portage will utilize $14,417 to complete these enhancements. The city of Kalamazoo will also secure the services of an outside contractor to evaluate the current department policies and procedures. This assessment is intended to identify steps to increase the efficiency and effectiveness in the provision of law enforcement services to the citizens of Kalamazoo. The amount to be utilized is $25,000. Kalamazoo County will also use $14,586 to provide community awareness programs and implement crime reduction initiatives.

NCA/NCF