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 town of Brookline, serving as the fiscal agent for this award, will share the Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $123,041 with five other disparate jurisdictions within Norfolk County. In a disparate situation, the units of local government must apply for an award with a single, joint application. Each jurisdiction's allocation will be used for activities and projects that will provide meaningful and measurable outcomes consistent with their community safety efforts. The jurisdictions receiving funds under this award will make significant improvements to technology being used by their law enforcement agencies by assessing the current capabilities and demands and making necessary upgrades. These demands may include audio and video equipment needed to secure police headquarters; the need for cell phones which allow investigators to communicate better with victims, suspects, and other law enforcement; or the completion of an E911 dispatch center which will allow for improved communications and more efficient response to emergencies. Some of these jurisdictions also intend to enhance law enforcement programs through proactive problem solving, by utilizing COMPSTAT, retaining officers, increasing manpower on the street, and by providing advanced training to police officers so they will be better equipped to handle the many demands of police work.

NCA/NCF