Community Outreach and Professional Training

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 Worcester, through the Worcester Police Department (WPD), will use the FY 2010 JAG funds to support the Community Outreach and Professional Training Project. The community policing model utilized by the WPD is based on a department-wide philosophy of service. This service model is personalized through the assignment of foot beats, motor patrols, and neighborhood impact officers assigned to the same area or to the same neighborhood watch group on a permanent basis. Through these partnerships and working collaboratively to address the issues of crime, fear of crime, physical and social disorder, and neighborhood decay, the quality of community life can be improved. Grant funds will be used to support the following project goals: maintain a strong police presence at and investment in neighborhood meetings; continue to patrol problem bars and other liquor establishments; conduct consistent clergy ride-a-longs in city neighborhoods partnering officers with clergy members who can collectively meet with and strengthen neighborhood relationships; and enhance law enforcement knowledge and skills through attendance at local, regional, and national conferences.

NCA/NCF