FY 2010 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).

The city of Long Beach will use FY 2010 JAG funds to support law enforcement, prosecution, and court programs. Through the grant, the city will pay the salary of a DNA criminalist assigned to the police department's DNA cases. The criminalist will provide courtroom testimony, reagent preparation, testing and other quality assurance measures involving forensics. A deputy probation officer tasked with counseling and resource referral for probationers, their families, and pre-delinquent youth will also be funded. Remaining funds will be used to purchase a freezer for storing DNA evidence that may be used in criminal prosecutions.

NCA/NCF