Stop The Offender Program

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 Johnson County Sheriff's Office will continue funding law enforcement and operational activities conducted by the Stop the Offender Program Special Crimes Unit. This unit is a cooperative law enforcement effort among the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Cleburne Police Department, Cleburne Marshal's Office, Burleson Police Department, Joshua Police Department, and Alvarado Police Department that is intended to disrupt and/or dismantle criminals and/or criminal enterprises through the use of undercover operations, covert surveillance, and overt interdiction efforts.

The concept brings together officers and staff from different jurisdictions with the goal of sharing and disseminating information and resources to more effectively target those who engage in certain criminal activities within the geographical boundaries of Johnson and Tarrant Counties and within the city limits of Burleson, Texas (the City of Burleson straddles two counties). The unit will employ undercover and covert tactics to identify those who engage in criminal activities, and overt tactics such as criminal interdiction will be used for purposes of apprehension. Emphasis will be given to investigating organized criminal activity with a focus on narcotics trafficking and terrorism issues.

NCA/CF