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 county of Marion will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $154,893 to support the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Marion County Mental Health Court program. The Marion County Sheriff's Office will utilize these funds to provide equipment for law enforcement officers, to include bulletproof vests, handcuffs, and patrol vehicles. The Marion County Mental Health Court program will use its funds to divert select non-violent and mentally ill defendants from the Marion County Jail and from active criminal prosecution in the Marion County Court to the appropriate community-based treatment and support services that best protect public safety, reduce recidivism, and help those defendants build successful lives.

NCA/NCF