City of Chesapeake Critical Operations Enhancement

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 vity of Chesapeake will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award to upgrade and/or enhance the critical operations of its Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, the Marine Patrol Unit, Uniform Patrol, the Police Academy, Traffic Enforcement, and overall police officer fitness and cardiovascular health. For the SWAT team, the city will purchase K-9 body armor, ship boarding kits, a reconnaissance robot, and HAZMAT training/suits. The city will also purchase operational gear and dive training for the Marine Patrol Unit. For the Patrol Unit and academy, the city will upgrade the firing range, purchase five cardiovascular machines, and provide four additional Segways. The Traffic Enforcement Unit will receive traffic data recorders with JAG funds. Finally, as part of the city's Community Prosecution Program, the city will hire one part-time analyst for a two-year period. These initiatives through JAG funds will involve purchasing equipment and provide crucial training for which there are no current funds.

NCA/NCF