Enhance Officer Security and Technology

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 Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office will use funds to enhance officer protection, response time, and standards of proof for their officers. Plans are to purchase patrol cameras that will protect officers from false allegations while also protecting citizens. The patrol cameras have built-in GPS systems which will allow officers to reduce response time when responding to rural locations or to locations with no visible address. The patrol cameras will also serve as evidence in court proceedings as needed. This will reduce unnecessary lawsuits on the behalf of officers and citizens and serve as evidence in court proceedings which will allow officers more patrol hours and less court time.

NCA/NCF