Justice Assistance Grant Program

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).

Athens-Clarke County, through the police department, proposes to use their FY 2010 JAG funds to purchase and install a new computer mounting system in all vehicles used by the police field training officers and to fund a portion of the cost of one staff person, who will be responsible for starting a Pre-Trial Release Program. The Pre-Trial Release Program will be a pilot project within Probation Services. This effort is anticipated to save up to five jail beds and could reduce the number of new jail beds.

NCA/NCF