Weapon Replacement and Safety Initiative

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.

Beaufort County, through the Sheriff's Office, will use their Recovery Act JAG funds to purchase 58 new handguns complete with laser sites and lights, holsters, ammo pouches, cuff cases, and ammunition to replace all side arms used for the sworn and reserve sheriff's deputies. Many of the current sidearms are experiencing mechanical problems as a result of age and worn parts. The county will also purchase two in-car video camera system that will be installed in county patrol cars. These issues cause great concern for the safety of the deputies. Safety is paramount to Beaufort County Sheriff's Office mission to serve and protect the citizens of Beaufort County.

NCA/NCF