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).

Newton County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award for the Newton County Sheriff's Department to purchase PocketCops, along with handheld devices, so investigators can securely access NCIC, motor vehicles, and other database queries through a handheld device. These purchases will allow them to quickly and easily get the time-critical information needed without involving dispatch or having to wait for verbal responses, making the deputies more efficient and effective, while reducing support costs and radio traffic. Funds will also purchase a new radio base station to replace an out-of-date unit at the sheriff's Department for better communications with dispatch for law enforcement officers.

NCA/NCF