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).

Sullivan County will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to equip various units and specialized teams within the sheriff's office. These units and teams include the Criminal Investigations Division, the Special Operations Unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team, the Corrections Division, the Training Division, the Fatal Incident Reconstruction and Support Team, the Patrol Division, the Evidence Unit, and the Records Unit. These units and teams need the proper tools to conduct investigations and operate efficiently. With the requested funds, the county will be able to better equip the officers for their responses to situations requiring their presence.

The forensic and crime scene analysis equipment for the Criminal Investigation Division will help them to be more prepared with updated technology and software. All other items listed will help to properly process, document, and fingerprint crime scenes. The equipment listed for the Special Operations Unit will allow them to view suspects at night. This will help with the investigation of crimes and also allow for greater officer safety.

The radios and video camcorder for the Corrections Division will allow the corrections officers to document their activities as they relate to investigations of inmate matters. This will help with the collection of evidence and documenting crimes or incidents. The pepper ball launcher will allow for a less than lethal response for the safety of the officers.

The equipment listed for the Fatal Incident Reconstruction and Support Team (FIRST) will allow officers assigned to the team to have more up to date technology that will provide increased tools when investigating crashes. The adjustable lighting will allow the team to light up a scene during night time investigations. Also, the lighting will be used to illuminate areas for DUI checkpoints.

The 'Drug Terminator' for the Evidence Unit will allow sheriff's office personnel assigned to that unit to complete orders of destruction as they come in. This will free up space more quickly in the evidence room. The laptops and projector for the Training Division will use an increased amount of technology to train officers. This will increase the available amount of up to date training that will be completed. Finally, the bullet proof vests and body armor for the SWAT team as well as the firearms for the Patrol Division will provide much needed equipment for the everyday use and safety of the officers.

In order for these divisions, teams, and units to perform at peak levels, they must have the proper equipment and tools. The items listed in the budget portion of this document will help these specialized teams and the officers perform at the highest levels and would not be available without JAG funding.

NCA/NCF