FY 2009 Recovery Act JAG 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.

Richmond County will utilize their Fiscal Year 2009 Recovery Act JAG award in the amount of $11,162 to purchase law enforcement equipment such as one First Choice Out shield, one Blackhawk dynamic entry super hallagan tool, ten Blackhawk ballistic level helmets, ten Blackhawk special operations tactical goggles with clear lens, ten Blackhawk lightweight nomex balaclavas with bib, ten tactical thigh holsters, ten insight technology lights with lasers, ten omega tactical gas mask carriers, one door breeching ram, and ten crowd control bags. The goal of this project are to respond effectively and properly to threats directed at the judiciary, courthouse community, schools, and the public at large. Also, another goal of this project is to start a Special Emergency Response Team and provide them with the latest equipment. Specifically, the plans of the Special Emergency Response Team are to effectively address problems when they arise in and around the courthouse complex, alleviating potential domestic/international terrorist activity. In the past, Richmond County has experienced bomb threats at the high school and technical center, an escape from the courtroom, and a hostage situation at the jail. This project will enhance law enforcement officers ability to respond to these types of threatening situations.

NCA/NCF