Portage County Disparate 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).

Portage County and the city of Kent are disparate and will share the 2009 JAG award in the amount of $11,173. Portage County Sheriff's Department will use its' portion ($4,000) of the award towards the purchase of a patrol vehicle. The City of Kent will be using their portion ($7,173) to provide additional road patrols by paying for additional overtime hours to keep officers on the street when necessary.

NCA/NCF