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 of Sebastian County and the City of Fort Smith propose to use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to purchase equipment. Sebastian County will use its portion of the grant to purchase 19 digital in-car video systems to deploy in its patrol units. The cameras will provide many benefits including the enhancement of patrol deputy and citizen safety, increasing the ability of the sheriff's office to prosecute crime, and providing additional safeguards concerning the execution of law enforcement duties in a professional manner. The city of Fort Smith will its share to purchase a 911 training simulator and assist in equipping an Emergency Operations/Response Center. The 911 training simulator will be used to train both newly hired and veteran dispatchers. The remaining funds will be used to purchase office furniture, computers, and classroom equipment for the Emergency Operations Center.

NCA/NCF