Fiscal Year 2010 JAG Project

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 Holyoke will use this Fiscal Year 2010 JAG award to support law enforcement by providing the Holyoke Police Department with computers, printers, copiers, radar trailer, monitoring system for prisoners, Plate Recognition System and bullet proof vests. The anticipated acquisition of the Plate Scan technology will provide both digital and video image records, for direct recognition, identification and recording of alphanumeric and graphic codes. To ensure officer safety, the Department will update all bullet proof vests. The funds will also allow for a purchase of a Radar Trailer with K-band Antenna and LED Display. The trailer allows the Police Department to remind citizens of their speed in particular areas and in school districts, especially just prior to the beginning of the school year, transportation projects, emergency services and road construction, and in neighborhoods where drivers need to be reminded that unsafe speeds cause accidents. The software will allow the police department to collect speed data and generate traffic speed surveys. This will allow the department to observe roads remotely and make better allocation of manpower decisions as to where and when to schedule radar units. Finally, the Pentaplex Network digital Video Recorders will enable faster response to requests for copies of surveillance recordings of cells and will be more cost efficient with regard to maintenance of recordings, maintenance of equipment and obtaining additional recording/retention media.

NCA/NCF