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).

Miami-Dade County, a local unit of government, is applying for its full allocation of $922,029 from the Fiscal Year 2009 JAG Program. Miami-Dade County will use the funding to support its law enforcement project, Mission Critical Equipment Project for the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD). MDPD is the largest public safety agency serving the local jurisdiction of Miami-Dade County.

Mission critical equipment includes officer safety equipment to protect officers such as specialized protective gear used when confronting subjects in dangerous operations, such as safety boots for detectives exposed to hazardous/toxic substances while investigating arson scenes, auto theft, and narcotics (grow houses and homes used for narcotics production). The safety boots will protect officers and prevent substances from contaminating their vehicles, offices, and homes. Multi-threat suits will protect the officers in hazardous environments (chemical, biological and radiological).

Investigative equipment will enhance investigations and presentations in criminal proceedings which will lead to convictions and incarceration. Investigative equipment includes soundproofing and digital recording equipment for subject interview rooms to provide security and high quality recordings and effective and efficient information sharing with law enforcement, partners, and the courts to coordinate cases, investigations, and prosecutions. Digital recording (handheld) equipment will allow investigators to obtain accurate victim and witness statements on the scene in a more efficient manner. A comparison microscope which is essential for accurate ballistics identification will allow their crime laboratory to continue to track firearms identifications. The MDPD will also purchase other needed law enforcement equipment.

NCA/NCF