Camden County Joint JAG Grant Project

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.

City of St. Marys, under an agreement with St. Marys Police Department, Kingsland Police Department, and the Camden County Sheriff's Office, will use the Recovery Act JAG funds to support the Camden County Joint JAG Grant Project. The city of St. Marys will use the funds to enhance their crime fighting abilities with the addition of two narcotic canines. The canine program will assist in drug and violent crime apprehensions. Two handlers will be chosen, kennels will be built, canines will be purchased, and training will be scheduled. The remainder of the funds will be reserved for associated costs. The Kingsland Police Department will use the grant funds for the purchase of pre-owned, low mileage police patrol/detective cruisers. This will enhance safety by replacing part of the aged, high mileage fleet. Technology enhancement is the goal of the Camden County Sheriff's Office. The current law enforcement database system is in need of an upgrade. The grant funds would allow for the mandated training required, and two updated computer systems that would allow time savings by all users.

NCA/NCF