Safe Entry and Forensic Expansion 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 Terrell, through the police department, will use the JAG funds to purchase equipment and training. The Terrell Police Department will purchase four heavy entry vests for the high risk warrant team. The heavy entry vests with extra ballistic plates are designed to stop all weapons that officers might encounter while carrying out their duties. The department will also purchase a sniper rifle and spotting scope for the tactical unit. An officer will attend a specialized training to use this rifle and scope. Finally, the department will purchase a Xenon alternate light for their forensic unit, thus improving the forensic collection capability of the department. The purchase of this equipment and training will allow the Terrell Police Department to successfully arrest and prosecute perpetrators.

NCA/NCF