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).

Jefferson County and the city of Watertown will apply Fiscal Year 2009 JAG funding towards separate initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement services within the community. Through the grant, the city will support the salary of a school resource officer. The position was established through prior year JAG funding, and has since become a success and an invaluable resource for school officials and students. The county will use remaining funds to retrofit solid cell doors in the medical wing of its jail with clear panels and pass through hatches that will increase inmate and officer safety. For administrative purposes, the city will serve as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF