TASER Deployment 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 Pittsfield will use FY 2010 JAG funds to purchase law enforcement equipment for the Pittsfield Police Department (PPD). The funds will support the TASER Deployment Program and will include the purchase of TASER electronic control devices to provide a viable use of force alternatives to law enforcement. The PPD will complete taser training for all of its operations personnel before the use and deployment of TASER electronic control devices. TASERs will be deployed to operations personnel to provide a safer, alternative use of force option when dealing with non-compliant, hostile, and emotionally disturbed parties.

NCA/NCF