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 county of Chesterfield will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to improve the presentation of evidence in court proceedings through technology improvements in the courtrooms of the Chesterfield Circuit Court. Specifically, funding from the JAG grant will support the purchase of digital audio and visual equipment to replace the current equipment, which was procured in 1987. The new equipment will allow for improved evidence presentation in courtroom trials and includes a video control system, video switching and processing system, display and playback devices, sound system, videoconferencing, and ADA assisted listening equipment. Using the JAG grant funds to purchase the newer digital equipment will allow the Chesterfield courts to provide more efficient and effective services to the judicial system and the citizens of Chesterfield County. Without this equipment, a substantial number of criminal cases will continue to be hindered by technological problems, which impacts the judicial process negatively by preventing key evidence from being introduced, creating delays in the proceedings for set-up of additional equipment, and/or creating the need for continuation of cases. The courtroom enhancements would be limited or not possible at all without the use of JAG funds.

NCA/NCF