Improving Law Enforcement Investigations in Oneida County, Idaho

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 county of Oneida will use its award to boost its crime reduction and prevention strategy. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) will use the funds to hire two full-time officers, purchase computer and forensic equipment, and enhance its coordination with neighboring law enforcement agencies. OCSD will work with sheriff's departments in adjacent counties to facilitate drug-related investigations and to establish a new multi-agency SWAT team. These services are essential in that drug users and dealers are 'hiding out' in this small, rural county, and OCSD does not have the personnel to conduct adequate surveillance or other aspects of drug investigations. The nearest SWAT team is 50 miles away; having a multi-agency SWAT team in place would facilitate the resolution of serious, life-threatening situations. Funds will also purchase tactical equipment for deputies, and establish a Neighborhood Watch program.

CA/CF