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).

Skagit County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award towards law enforcement equipment for the sheriff's office. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase an electronic rounds recording system, SMART board system, and training for the use of the new systems. The electronic rounds recording system will record movement, activities, and incidents in the jail. This provides better accountability for Skagit County jail inmates and staff and produce better records of the activities in the jail. The SMART board system will allow presentations of voluminous and complicated evidence to juries via interactive technical aids. This allows the prosecutor's office to obtain the technical components for a basic, interactive projection and display system for the organization and presentation of evidence in criminal trials. Minimal training available with this funding would be enhanced with hands-on learning and supplemental trainings for personnel.

NCA/NCF