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).

Douglas County will utilize its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG funding to purchase seven Bushmaster M4 A3 carbine rifles that will be mounted in patrol vehicles and six taser X26 electronic control devices for patrol deputies. It is the Douglas County Sheriff's Department's goal to put a taser on every deputy's duty belt as a less-lethal option and equip each patrol vehicle with a shoulder weapon for stand-off capability. With the vast area of patrol responsibility and the lack of adequate patrol force to patrol it, the department feels these purchases are necessary to give their deputies more options in lethal and stand-off situations.

NCA/NCF