Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $300,000)
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 2, the Cherokee County Commission will use its award to reduce crimes related to drug distribution, use, and manufacture. Grant funds will be used to hire an additional Cherokee County Sheriff's Office narcotics investigator, pay agent overtime, and equip the investigator with necessary equipment for daily operations.
The project will: (1) purchase updated technologies and equipment that will permit a more effective investigative capacity and to offset manpower issues; (2) fund wages for an additional agent to investigate drug crimes; (3) provide drug agents with overtime to conduct investigations; (4) fund educational anti-drug programs to be conducted at local schools, churches, and community groups; (5) provide counter-drug training for all drug agents assigned to this project; and (6) provide investigation expenses to combat the illegal drug trade occurring within Cherokee County. Recovery funds will cover the following project costs: personnel hiring; overtime; mandatory OJP training; equipment (patrol vehicles, computers, and communication and surveillance devices); hazardous safety materials (protective gear); investigative expenses; agent training; and a drug awareness program.
CA/CF