JAG Crime Prevention Initiatives

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 the cities of Coon Rapids, Blaine, Columbia Heights, and Fridley will use their FY 2009 Local JAG award to purchase equipment and to assist with training. The city of Blaine will purchase a remote camera system to be mounted in two city parks. The city of Coon Rapids, serving as the fiscal agent, has an on-going effort to equip all twenty of its marked patrol squad cars with camera systems to record the activity of officers while on patrol duties. This grant will cover the expense of four systems. The city of Columbia Heights will upgrade to the squad mounted video systems mounted in their marked patrol cars and purchase a shooting simulator system to aid in the training of officers confronting deadly force situations. The city of Fridley will purchase firearms and related equipment to enhance the ability of officers to defend themselves in hostile situations. Anoka County will not be allocated any funds.

NCA/NCF