Warrick County Deputy Safety Initiative Through Less Than Lethal Force

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 county of Warrick will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award for law enforcement equipment. JAG funds will be used to initiate and purchase equipment to facilitate an option in less than lethal use of force to enhance both deputy and suspect safety. The county of Warrick Sheriff's Department will make tasers available to deputies and/or supervisors. This will provide officers and/or supervisors with a less than lethal option that allows a stand-off distance from the subject and provides maximum effectiveness in gaining compliance. Tasers allow officers to engage subjects at a safe distance. This less than lethal option is a necessity for the safety of the deputies in the department and would not otherwise be available without JAG funds.

NCA/NCF