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 Springfield will apply fiscal year 2009 JAG funding towards security enhancements for its police department and officer safety. Specifically, the police department will purchase four Tasers for its patrol officers in an effort to provide a non-lethal tool for use with combative subjects. Funds will also be directed towards a security fence for the back portion of the department. The fence will prevent non-authorized personnel from accessing the area and will provide an area to secure impounded vehicles.

NCA/NCF