Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $512,050)
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, Seneca County will use funds to retain one police officer, hire two additional police officers, and purchase necessary law enforcement equipment. A Zero Tolerance Task Force Officer will continue to combat drug crime in the city of Fostoria. One new deputy and investigator will be hired to reduce the response time and assist in following up on crimes. In addition, funds will be used to purchase two new police vehicles for the two new hires, purchase and install 30 new laptop computers and peripherals in police vehicles, and support air time for Law Enforcement Automated Data System (L.E.A.D.S) access. These purchases will increase information sharing among other cities and increase communication about possible crimes.
CA/CF