Portable Electronic Suveillance System

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs; and 7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).

The city of Northampton will use JAG funds to provide the Northampton Police Department with a portable electronic surveillance system for the purpose of aiding in the detection and investigation of street, arson and drug crimes. This surveillance system will enable the department to more effectively conduct covert surveillance of areas susceptible to street crimes, arsons, drug activities, as well as other crimes. This will allow the department to remotely monitor a specific area without risk of detection and/or to review the recordings after the report of a crime. In addition, the portability will allow it to be moved from one location to another and enhance and provide conventional surveillance where such is not possible or practical. The electronic data gathered should prove invaluable in the investigation of street, arson and drug related crimes. That data is expected to greatly aid in the identification of the perpetrators, as well as enhance the potential for their successful prosecution.

NCA/NCF