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).

The disparate jurisdictions consisting of Knox County and the city of Knoxville will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to support personnel, equipment, and patrol vehicles for their law enforcement agencies. Knox County, serving as the fiscal agent, will use their portion of the grant funds towards obtaining professional services for the development of the Inmate Management Plan. As a first step, Knox County is considering developing a Request for Qualifications to solicit input and guidance on how to proceed. After researching and analyzing the options available for development of this plan, the funds will be used to obtain the services of the most qualified and best option for Knox County. The plan will seek to reduce the inmate population through reduced recidivism, early identification, and treatment of chemical dependency and the increased availability of mental health services for the inmate population. The plan will also seek to better manage the inmate population of the county by identifying systemic efficiencies that can be achieved, such as changing court dockets, inmate appearance scheduling, and other related matters. Additionally, the JAG funds will be used to pay for costs associated with managing the grant award. The city of Knoxville will use their portion of the funds to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will be accomplished by creating a new Program Specialist position to assist with grants management, research, and evaluation, equipping the departments planning and grants office with a laptop and air card to increase personnel effectives, purchasing two fully-equipped patrol cars for two new police officers, and providing training for the planning and grants office.

NCA/NCF