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 consisting of Lincoln County and the city of North Platte will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $19,896 in a joint effort to help replace the public safety telephone system. The city of North Platte, serving as the fiscal agent, will use the entire award to help cover equipment, supplies, and installation. The system is a vital link between the North Platte Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. Citizens use this system to report crime and request emergency aid. The current telephone system is analog, over 30 years old, prone to breakdowns, parts are no longer available to make repairs, and it is not expandable. The proposed system is a state-of-the art digital system that allows for future expansion and compatibility to an E911 telephone system. It will greatly enhance public safety since it will incorporate the most modern and up-to-date technology, it will allow for faster, more efficient crime reporting, and receiving and transmitting information.

NCA/NCF