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).

Columbus County will use the JAG funds to enhance detention procedures while reducing expenses and alleviating undue safety issues for both the sheriff's office and county. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase court video conferencing equipment and cell extraction suits. These purchases will allow for a safer procedure for handling basic arraignment issues and will improve safety for all parties inside the detention facility.

NCA/NCF