Community Response Reaction Team

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) solicits applications for initiatives which assist law enforcement in rural states and rural areas. The program helps rural states and rural areas to prevent and combat crime, especially drug-related crime, and provides for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address rural needs.

The Assistance to Rural Law Enforcement to Combat Crime and Drugs Program, administered by BJA, helps rural states and rural areas prevent and combat crime, especially drug-related crime, and provides for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address rural needs. In addition, priority consideration will be given to local law enforcement agencies in rural areas where the unit of local government is not eligible to receive a direct allocation from the Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program or received a direct allocation that was $50,000 or less. Applicants were invited to submit a proposal under any one of the following categories to: (1) combat rural crime; (2) improve rural law enforcement investigations; (3) enhance rural detention and jail operations; (4) facilitate rural justice information sharing; or (5) develop a national training and technical assistance program.

Under Category 1, Evans County will use the award to support the Evans County Sheriff's Office (ECSO) with a Community Response Reaction Team project. The goals of the project are to enhance law enforcement effectiveness by reducing drug and violent gang activity while being sensitive to public relationships. The ECSO will use funds to hire personnel, administer training, purchase vehicles and tactical and general equipment, and implement the Spartan Webb RMS computer database. The grant will enhance community policing by providing funds to allow deputies to interact with citizens at events, town hall meetings, churches, and schools. The computer system will establish an intelligence database that will enhance data sharing and communication, leading to a higher rate of arrests and convictions of violators. Overall, the funds will allow for increased efficiency, enhancement of communication with citizens, as well as with interagency committee representatives and member law enforcement agencies.

CA/CF