FY 2010 JAG 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 Kent and Portage County have been certified disparate and are required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the aggregate of funds allocated under the FY 2010 JAG Program. The City of Kent, serving as the fiscal agent, will use grant funds to restore and re-implement police bicycle patrols. This community policing program was successfully used in previous years to reduce drug offenses and associated violent crimes and to reduce the fear of crime, particularly in the city's low-income neighborhoods. Funds will allow the police department to replace the current aged and unserviceable fleet of five police mountain bikes. The Portage County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) will use their funds to upgrade its capability to safely and effectively respond to crowd control and riot situations. PCSO plans, for the first time, to purchase and make available modern less-than-lethal weapons and supplies to its deputies.

NCA/NCF