Technology Enhancement 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 disparate jurisdiction consisting of the city of Huntsville, Madison County, and the city of Madison will use Recovery Act JAG funds for a Technology Enhancement Program. The city of Huntsville will serve as the fiscal agent for all funds awarded and the funds will be allocated to the Huntsville Police Department, the Madison County Commission and the city of Madison. The goals of this program are to: (1) provide funding for technology enhancement within the Huntsville Police Department; (2) provide funding for technology development within the Madison County Commission; and (3) to provide funding for technology enhancement within the Madison Police Department. The Madison County District Attorney's Office intends to begin a 'Technology Enhancement Program.' This program will consist of the following objectives: (1) upgrading office computers/laptops; (2) upgrading the wireless courtroom video system; and (3) upgrading the phone system. The funds will allow the agency to continue with the placement of in-car mobile data computer/video system in patrol vehicles, upgrading office computers/laptops and purchase of Scan Management software program. The Madison County Sheriff's Office will use funds to install in-car mobile data computers/video systems to enhance the ability to communicate, and help to ensure officer safety. The city of Madison, Alabama Police Department will use funds for: (1) upgrading network peripherals and software; (2) enhancing E-citation functions with new hardware; and (3) provide continuous training for employees. These funds will benefit the economy through the purchase of law enforcement equipment, computer hardware/software equipment, and phone service/video equipment.

NCA/NCF