Evanston Undercover Investigations Improvement Project

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), 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 recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, 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 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

The Evanston Police Department will enhance the effectiveness of their Neighborhood Enforcement Team unit by requesting officers from other jurisdictions to become undercover operatives to close down open air drug markets in the city of Evanston. The Evanston Police Department will also assist other jurisdictions with disrupting their drug markets. Funds will be used for officer overtime and equipment will be purchased for officers to give them greater protection when they conduct raids or serve arrest warrants and to increase the effectiveness of the unit through technology. The equipment will include ballistic helmets and body armor for the entry team and a GPS tracking device to be placed on suspects' vehicles. The Evanston Police Department will partner with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Department, the Chicago Police Department, and the Waukegan Police Department.

NCA/NCF