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 Denton County and the cities of Lewisville and Denton will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $77,524 to support the needs of the local law enforcement agencies. These funds will assist in the prevention and control of crime, and also to improve the criminal justice system. The Denton County Sheriff's Office will incorporate additional teaching aids and instructor equipment for their STAY SAFE Program. This will increase the instructor's capability of reaching more children and in turn decrease the number of juveniles entering the justice system as offenders. The sheriff's office will also enhance their monitoring system within the jail facility which serves as a force multiplier in that it allows a small number of officers to visually observe remote areas of the jail and direct responses to disturbances or any breach of security. The Lewisville Police Department will implement a rifle program that will increase safety and security measures among the officers and in the community. The Denton Police Department will update their communications recording system which records telephone and radio communications, and is essential for criminal prosecutions and internal investigations.

NCA/NCF