Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $1,531,744)
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 Oregon Department of Justice will use its award to support the Drug Crimes Strike Force. Funds will hire two prosecutors, two investigators, and one analyst to establish a team to work with local drug and gang investigators, law enforcement agencies, and local District Attorney offices. The team will also provide civil forfeiture services, initiate new cases, enhance investigations, and pursue cases that result in arrest and conviction. They will collaborate with the Oregon High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area board, the Oregon Sheriff's Association, the Oregon Chief's Association, and the Oregon District Attorney's Association.
CA/CF