Madison County Criminal Investigations Upgrade

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.

Madison County will utilize their FY 2009 Recovery Act JAG funds to upgrade Madison County Sheriff's Office existing outdated equipment. The Sheriff's Office will purchase four Dell laptop computers and one vehicle laptop mount. This will allow officers to continue to access the 911 mapping system and to reduce strain on the dispatchers, as well access as other officer functions such as report writing and accident reports. Madison County will also purchase and lease an Arkansas crime information computer and software work station. This will allow criminal investigators to use the system for warrant checks and allow officers to do monthly validations out of the jail, dispatch area, and the 911 center. The purchase of ten state of the art stringer flashlights for officers will be purchased. Madison County will also purchase a subscription to Leads On-line Select. This is an internet tool that allows officers to track pawnshop sales, metal theft reports and sales, stolen property, major crimes, and stolen guns. The purchase of one Dell 3130 printer and supplies will allow for production of reports and color photos of criminals and crimes scenes. Madison County will also purchase two mobile video recording devices for vehicle patrol. These systems will help in DWI convictions and other crimes that may be committed in an officer's view.

NCA/NCF