Helena/West Helena Drug Interdiction 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 of the city of Helena/West Helena and Phillips County will utilize their Fiscal Year 2009 JAG award in the amount of $24,225 to purchase law enforcement equipment. The city of Helena/West Helena will be the fiscal agent for this grant. Phillips County supports the full allocation to be utilized by the city of Helena/West Helena. The city of Helena/West Helena will utilize funds to purchase two radar systems and four surveillance cameras. The goals of this project are to increase the safety of the citizens of both jurisdictions by substantially reducing drug-related crime and violence, and to educate and enable youth to reject illegal drugs as well as alcohol and tobacco.

NCA/NCF