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 Olmsted County and the city of Rochester will use their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $46,149 for law enforcement equipment and supplies. Funding will be used to purchase specialized tactical vests for sworn officers who are members of the Rochester/Olmsted Emergency Response Unit and two pole cameras for covert surveillance in areas in Rochester/Olmsted County where it is believed crime may occur. Additionally, funds will be used to facilitate the publication of much needed materials for the Rochester Police Department's Youth Crime Prevention Program. This equipment will increase officer safety and assist the law enforcement agencies in serving the general public more efficiently. The city will serve as the fiscal agent.

NCA/NCF