Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant

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 Plymouth County, the city of Brockton, and the towns of Wareham and Plymouth will use their FY 09 JAG award in the amount of $206,140 to support the needs of the local law enforcement agencies in the areas of training, personnel, equipment, supplies and information systems. These funds will assist in the prevention and control of crime, and also improve the criminal justice system.

The town of Plymouth will use its share of the funds ($11,227) for crime prevention and public safety initiatives. The Plymouth Police Department will purchase a new digital recording system.

The city of Brockton will use its share of the funds ($147,701) to hire a full-time social worker to assist victims of domestic and community violence. Police overtime will also be utilized for officers to accompany social workers on late night ride alongs to families of community concern. Equipment and supplies will also be purchased to support community policing and surveillance efforts. Finally, funds will be used for training.

The town of Wareham will use its funds ($26,599) to fund Wareham Police Department officer overtime for a Neighborhood Action Team, Landlord Assistance Program, and an Elderly and Commercial Crime Prevention program. Overtime funds will also be used to enhance the Traffic Enforcement system.

Plymouth County will serve as the fiscal agent for this grant, and will use part of the funds to pay for costs associated with administering the grant. The county will not use any portion of the grant for programmatic activities.

NCA/NCF