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 Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz City will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $86,827 for a vehicle and equipment purchase. The Santa Cruz Police Department, serving as the fiscal agent, will not utilize the 10 percent administrative fee. The Santa Cruz Police Department will use the funds to purchase a new marked patrol vehicle. The department has recently lost usage of four vehicles. Officers and gang investigators are currently sharing vehicles or driving unreliable vehicles that has consequently led to a decreased availability of vehicles during overlap and targeted operation days. The purchase of a new marked patrol vehicle will increase the ability of the officers to participate in targeted operations, improve the general patrol function, and improve officer safety.

The sheriff's office will purchase a phone extraction device which has the ability to copy suspect's movies and photos off cell phones, purchase 12 desktop computers to replace antiquated computers for front line law enforcement officers, and flame resistant Nomex protective clothing which exceeds NFPA 1977 certification and Cal-OSHA standards to improve officer safety. The sheriff's office will upgrade security cameras and purchase a metal detector for Juvenile Hall to improve safety at the facility.

NCA/NCF