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 disparate jurisdictions consisting of Chatham county and the cities of Savannah and Garden will use the JAG award in the amount of $181,083 towards law enforcement initiatives. The city of Savannah, serving as the fiscal agent, will use $162,147 to purchase a breathalyzer machine, mobile data terminal with mounting hardware, projector and sound system, and a video and audio recording system for the police department. Gardena city will use $18,936 to purchase a live scan fingerprint scanner station for the police department. The project goals are to improve the operation of their respective police departments by enhancing the daily delivery of public safety, reduce the time an officer spends on a call for service, increase the flow of information between the 911 Center and the field, provide solid evidence for a successful prosecution, enhance the quality of an internal investigation, reduce the amount of time an officer spends on processing a suspect under arrest, and to reduce costs involved with transporting arrestees. Chatham county will receive no JAG funds.

NCA/NCF