Bridging the Gap

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 Center Point, in partnership with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, will increase law enforcement visibility within the community by funding overtime for four contract deputies. Deputies will provide surveillance in the city's apartment complexes with transient populations that are known for their criminal activity. Law enforcement at citywide events will be provided, and additional personnel will be on duty during holidays. Funding for overtime will allow these deputies to provide service to the community for 24 hours, and an additional 5,831 hours of law enforcement protection for the citizens in the city of Center Point, over a three-year period.

NCA/NCF