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 De Kalb will use its Fiscal Year 2009 JAG funds to purchase three in-car camera systems for DeKalb County Sheriff's Office's vehicles. DeKalb County's officers will experience greater safety as the sheriff's office often has deputies and investigators responding to potentially dangerous calls without back-up. Additionally, the equipment will ensure that DeKalb County Sheriff's Office officers will have a video-tape of high-speed chase situations. The videos will not only ensure that pursuits were conducted within departmental policy, but serve an evidentiary purpose in documenting the events from beginning to end. Finally, officers may use their videotapes to critique their own actions and ensure they are following appropriate procedures.

NCA/NCF