Combating Rural Crime

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, Bryan County will use its award to support the Bryan County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) in combating rural crime. BCSO has a staff of 16 full-time sworn peace officers. Due to the size and population of Bryan County, each deputy must focus on calls for service daily. Funds will create a Narcotics Investigator position, which will deal primarily with the sale and manufacture of drugs within Bryan County, without pulling a much-needed deputy away from regular patrol. The Investigator will be responsible for creating a list of working confidential informants and maintaining contact with individuals concerned with drug activity in the county. A close relationship with the District Attorney's Drug Task Force and other agencies will be key in impacting the drug trade by sharing information and coordinating a team effort. An open-door policy will be implemented, providing an avenue where valuable information can be given at any time with rapid and proper follow-up. The Investigator will be responsible for receiving proper training and education to increase knowledge and awareness and updated methods on combating the use and flow of narcotics.

CA/CF