Intercommunications Network Project

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 Chaves County and the city of Roswell will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $55,140 to purchase laptop computers, computer upgrades, and an intercommunications network enhancement. The city of Roswell will use their share of JAG funds to expand the current Motomesh network to provide more coverage to mobile units and camera systems throughout the city. The Motomesh network is a wireless system that allows the city's police officers to utilize computers to communicate with each other throughout the city of Roswell during their shifts. This network system also allows the police department to remotely use cameras to video certain areas when needed. The Motomesh network is a vital part of the networking system that allows officers of the Roswell Police Department to detect crime, perform NCIC inquires, and provide dispatchers with the location of marked patrol units at any given time. The county of Chaves will use grant funds to purchase in-vehicle laptop computers for their patrol sergeants to use in their on-duty function as a first line supervisor. The Chaves County Sheriff's Department will also purchase upgrades for existing computers systems that are utilized for records management systems (RMS). The upgrades will allow the sheriff's departments RMS computers to communicate with the 911 dispatch center's computers and work together instead of separately. These necessary technology upgrades would not be possible without JAG funding.

NCA/NCF