FY 2009 Recovery Act JAG 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 city of Waterbury, through the Waterbury Police Department (WPD), will utilize the Fiscal Year 2009 Recovery Act JAG award to support implementing new law enforcement programs and initiatives; enhancing prevention and education programs; and purchasing equipment and technology resources. The first activity is child pornography investigation enhancements. The WPD will utilize funds to investigate suspected cases, train officers, and purchase equipment. The second activity is a summer violence prevention program. The initiatives will enhance the quality of life and increase patronage at local businesses and shops. The initiative will include the use of overtime to address issues in targeted city of Waterbury areas. The third activity will be to enhance education programs and purchase activity equipment to improve Waterbury Police Activity League (PAL) and Community Relations programs operations and effectiveness. The PAL program continues to experience rapid growth, and equipment is necessary to ensure that youth have the opportunity to participate in program activities. Due to the current demand for the PAL program, the WPD chief of police assigned six police officers to the PAL program. In addition, officers often volunteer time to implement program activities. The fourth activity will be to provide equipment and supplies necessary for WPD police ffficers to enhance their uniformed presence in the community. All equipment to be purchased will be American- made resulting in the preservation and or creation of jobs within the respective industries and suppliers.

NCA/NCF