Police/Public Safety Equipment Purchase

This grant program is authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (the 'Recovery Act') and by 42 U.S.C. 3751(a). The stated purposes of the Recovery Act are: to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery; to assist those most impacted by the recession; to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health; to invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and to stabilize state and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. The Recovery Act places great emphasis on accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars.

Among other things, it creates a new Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board and a new website ' Recovery.gov ' to provide information to the public, including access to detailed information on grants and contracts made with Recovery Act funds.

The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funded under the Recovery Act is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Recovery JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. Recovery JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.

Bonner County will use its Recovery Act JAG funds to enhance their ability to provide law enforcement services. Specifically, JAG funds will be used to purchase one police dive rescue boat, 35 stop-sticks, 30 patrol uniforms, 10 computers, 10 crime scene digital cameras, and ammunition. The sheriff's office dive team provides surface and subsurface rescue and recovery. The team is comprised of six divers who are certified deputies and are specialized in training scuba diving, dive rescue, and recovery. The police dive rescue boat will directly support field operations and enhance the ability to save lives. The primary use of the stop-sticks tire-deflation devices is to end motor vehicle pursuits and help prevent them from starting. One piece jumpsuits will be purchased and worn by the patrol deputies. The purchase of computers will provide up-to-date support for the delivery of law enforcement services. Crime scene preservation and documentation through digital cameras will enhance law enforcement officer's ability to solve crimes. The purchase of ammunition will allow each deputy enough training rounds to fire in order to maintain proficiency on their duty weapons.

NCA/NCF