Enhanced Patrol Operation

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 Lancaster Police Department ($58,827) and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office ($23,531) will jointly utilize the Recovery Act JAG funds totaling $82,358. The Lancaster Police Department will use obtain nine new Mobile Data Terminals and miscellaneous tools for installation in patrol vehicles. The use of the Mobile Data Terminals will reduce the demand on dispatch to provide information to officers allowing them to focus on other work aspects at a reduced stress level. The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office will use the funds to purchase two digital units to place in their front line patrol vehicles. The in-car camera systems will give deputies the ability to provide relevant, real-time audio/visual documentation of certain crime scenes. In addition, they will aid in the prosecution of criminals and can also be used as a management tool by monitoring officer conduct and interaction with the public in general. The goal is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of patrol operations through the use of technology and equipment.

NCA/NCF