State of Vermont, Town of Williston, Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant Program

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.

The town of Williston will use their Recovery Act JAG funds to purchase eight computers, three radar units, one Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), one rifle, and gym equipment. The town police officers currently have to share computers, which leads to paperwork issues and officers coming in after their shift to complete tasks. Since radar is the town of Williston's primary means of deterring and issuing motor vehicle violations, these units will be used at all times. The purchase of a MDT will allow the town of Williston police officers to access registration and conduct license checks. In addition, during times when dispatchers are overwhelmed, officers will be able to perform basic tasks using the MDT's. The town of Williston has one police car without a rifle. Having rifles installed in police cars are a very important safety element for officers. The town of Williston will also purchase a new piece of equipment for their fitness room. Fitness is an extremely important part of an officer's safety and well being.

NCA/NCF