Efficient and Effective Law Enforcement Operations

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 Billings and Yellowstone County, as disparate jurisdictions, will share the Recovery Act JAG award and use the funds to enhance the quality of public safety for both the Billings Police Department and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office. Their goal will be achieved by replacing and/or purchasing equipment that is technologically advanced. In addition, law enforcement officers will be trained by professionals on how to use this equipment to the maximum potential. The city, serving as the fiscal agent, will use their share of the grant ($174,866) to purchase an omniscout tracker, a sign and lighting for their crime prevention center, patrol rifles and shotguns, tasers, radar units, police vehicle stop sticks, crowd control riot equipment, a crisis communication system for special operations, secure file cabinets for records, and drug testing equipment. Yellowstone County will use their share of the funds ($47,642) to purchase digital video cameras, computer hardware and wireless microphones, radios, emergency warning lightbars, and equipment for the tactical response team. Both agencies will share training opportunities as well as compatible equipment such as communication systems, digital cameras, and riot gear in the event of a public disturbance or terrorist situation.

NCA/NCF