Granville County Mobile Data Computer Project and Equipment Purchase Project

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).

Granville County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG funds to purchase Mobile Data Computers (MDCs), MDC inverters, a generator, and two tasers. Like many other rural jurisdictions, the county is facing a challenging budget season, which means there is little funding set aside for essential equipment. The MDCs and inverters are vital so that officers can enter reporting information while at crime scenes and on patrol, rather than waiting to enter reports at the office terminal. If officers have their own computers, then they can spend more time in the community rather than in the office. The MDCs are also useful for traffic stops when officers need to access the state records from the Division of Criminal Information and Identification, which provides information about wanted suspects/criminals and stolen property. Without the MDC, officers must call the 911 Center for this information, which results in lost time and an increased likelihood for escapes. The generator is needed because the department's current generator is broken and cannot be fixed. This generator is used for DWI checkpoints, traffic stops, and crime scenes. The tasers are also necessary for officers who need extra enforcement without resorting to more deadly weapons. This essential equipment to improve the efficiency and safety of the County's officers and citizens would not be possible without JAG funding.

NCA/NCF