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).

Kern County will use FY 2010 JAG funds to support the salaries of two experienced DNA criminalists. The criminalists have been slated for lay-off due to the current downturn in the economy. If not for this award, the proposed reduction in personnel would jeopardize or eliminate many essential functions to include DNA analysis and firearms and crime scene investigations. The lay-offs would also result in the potential release of dangerous suspects into the community and delay solving of crimes.

NCA/NCF