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 city of Jackson and Hinds County have been identified as disparate and shall share the aggregate of funds allocated to them under the Fiscal Year 2009 JAG Program. JAG funds will be used to purchase equipment that will enhance public safety and enable both agencies to improve their services within the City of Jackson and Hinds County. The city of Jackson will use their funds to purchase police cruisers, laptops, and computer equipment. Hinds County will use their funds to purchase police cruisers and to sustain two positions (a Court Facilitator and Public Defender) that are facing layoffs due to budget cuts. The City of Jackson will retain 10 percent of the joint allocation for administrative purposes.

NCA/NCF