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 the city of Laredo and Webb County will use their JAG funds in the amount of $139,813 to support equipment upgrades and costs associated with implementing youth drug/dropout prevention programs. The city of Laredo, serving as the fiscal agent, will divide funds equally with the county to support these efforts. The city will use funds to support the Laredo Police Department to implement a more efficient digital imaging system to process crime scene and other related photographs and videos. The county will purchase camera equipment for the jail, equipment for community-based and school activities such as career days, law enforcement festivals, and special community events, and will fund a trainer for youth prevention programs.

NCA/NCF