Drug Reduction and Criminal Justice Improvement Program

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The County of Levy will support the Drug Reduction and Criminal Justice Improvement Program implemented by the Levy County Sheriff Office's Task Force and Community Resource Division. The goal is to reduce prescription pill misuse and thefts in Levy County. The program objectives include: 1) increasing citizen awareness and officer efficiency by utilizing a new stand alone on-line reporting system for the intake of reports and collection of drug related intelligence; 2) utilizing improved equipment such as video, recording and audio systems to provide stronger evidence for better prosecution of defendants which will assist in streamlining the court system; 3) distributing drug awareness information at schools and community functions, and 4) implementing a prescription pill collection program.

NCA/NCF