Counter Narcotics Alliance Title Three Telephonic Wire Intercept Operations.

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 City of Tucson was selected to receive an award for their role in the multi-agency Counter Narcotics Alliance, a task force dedicated to investigating and arresting individuals engaging in illegal drugs trafficking in Southern Arizona. This award will be utilized to pay for costs associated with conducting telephonic wire intercept cases. Specifically, this award will pay for officer overtime, the replacement of aging surveillance equipment, and for phone monitoring and wire tap services.

These items will help Tucson address the problem of the city becoming a main distribution hub for methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin due to its location, which is the center of many smuggling routes.

NCA/CF