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 Lee County and the city of Sanford will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $17,454 on training and equipment. The city of Sanford, serving as the fiscal agent, will use its share of the grant funds to assist the Sanford Police Department with the purchase of strobe lights for unmarked police vehicles. The lights will allow detectives to respond to calls in a safe and efficient manner, as well as allowing for crime scene block-off. The department will also use a small portion of the funds to send patrol officers and detectives to service delivery training, covering travel and associated training costs. The Lee County Sheriff's Department will use its portion to acquire laptop computers and portable printers. This equipment will allow officers easy access to information allowing them to complete reports and check records without leaving assigned areas.

NCA/NCF