Project Preemptive Strike

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, the Quitman Police Department will use the award to support the Project Preemptive Strike program. The goals of the program are to: (1) reduce the opportunity for crime and disorder, specifically theft, burglary, and gang and drug-related offenses; (2) work as a communication hub for all local, state, and federal agencies; and (3) enforce the law through successful conclusions to outstanding criminal investigations. To reach the goals established, the Quitman Police Department will use the funds to utilize the following strategies: (1) augment current staff levels; (2) implement a ten-part community policing initiative; (3) solidify interagency cooperation and coordination; (4) provide equipment to enhance all forms of communication technology; (5) ensure that each police contact is carried out fairly and with respect; and (6) seek input from the citizens on programs, procedures, and priorities.

CA/NCF