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).

Smith County, acting as the fiscal agent, submitted a joint application in coordination with the city of Tyler. The two agencies will share $109,737 in Fiscal Year 2009 JAG funds. Smith County, through the sheriff's office, will use their share of the grant to purchase in-car digital video systems. The city of Tyler, through the police department, will use funds to update their firearm training simulator, and to purchase protective gear, desktop computers, a surveillance camera, and an ice machine.

NCA/NCF