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.

Kirksville City will serve as the fiscal agent for the disparate jurisdictions of the city of Kirksville and Adair County. Grant funds will be used to purchase a dry safe with filters for use at the Kirksville police department in order to dry wet evidence such as blood soaked clothing. After drying, items will then be packaged and stored in the police department evidence room. A crimescope 400w forensic light will be used at crime scenes to collect all types of evidence such as blood, semen, and hair. Currently neither of these items are available in Adair County. Although both of these units will be housed at the city police department, they will be accessible by all law enforcement in Adair County. Kirksville will also purchase standard uniform wear for five new hire police officers.

Adair County, through the sheriff's department, will use the grant funds to purchase X26e tasers and accessories to equip the sheriff's deputies and jail staff with equipment to be used in force situations. The sheriff's department will also purchase a deluxe safety chair and transport carriage to be used by jail detention staff to prevent injuries to combative arrestees in the jail setting. A projector, typewriter, and a laser pointer will be purchased for presentations and community education initiatives. In addition, the sheriff's department will use grant funds for officer overtime.

NCA/NCF