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 Linn County and the city of Cedar Rapids will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $105,922 to purchase video cameras, general equipment, an updated fingerprinting system, a GPS mapping system, and a crime scene vehicle storage unit. Linn County will use their share of the JAG funds to purchase 30 sets of magnum spikes, 50 LED flashlights, and 35 sets of hazard beacon lights. This equipment will make sheriff's department personnel more visible, be better able to control traffic, and provide a safer environment for both officers and the public. The county will also purchase software to allow them to communicate with the state's fingerprint system. This will reduce the redundancy of booking inmates that the state already has on file and will provide more time for law enforcement personnel to conduct other necessary activities. The city of Cedar Rapids will use its portion of funds to purchase four covert camera systems. These systems can be placed in areas of interest to record potential criminal activities without police officers having to be on-site. The city will also purchase a Total Station GPS mapping system for use by both the Traffic Bureau and Crime Scene Investigators. This system will allow officers to more quickly generate accurate, court room ready diagrams and maps. Finally, the city will purchase a crime scene vehicle removable storage unit. This unit allows for easier access to equipment and secures the equipment from shifting or falling and possibly injuring officers.

NCA/NCF