Crime Scene Unit Implementation Project

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 Walton County Sheriff's Office will combat increasing criminal activity and drug-related crimes through creating new jobs and purchasing vehicles, equipment, and supplies. Currently, the Walton County Sheriff's Office has no crime scene unit to collect and process evidence. Through the grant funding, two full-time crime scene analysts, one full-time administrative assistant, and one full-time grants administrator will be hired. Specialized equipment for the Crime Scene Unit will also be purchased, including laptops and a crime scene response vehicle, as well as crime evidence collection equipment and supplies. The goals of the crime scene unit are to increase arrest and convictions by identifying suspects through various crime scene investigative techniques. Also, a full-time crime scene unit will enable other officers to continue proactive law enforcement activities instead of remaining on crime scenes for lengthy periods of time.

CA/CF