Secure Interoperable Communications 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 Hyattsville will be using their 2010 JAG award to fund its Secure Interoperable Communications (SIC) program. The program's goals are to increase operational efficiency and officer safety by securing the department's mobile data terminals (MDTs) in its new and existing marked vehicles in a safe manner and an accessible location; and to facilitate interoperable communications through the provision of crime and dispatch information to its officers in the field. Use of the secured MDTs will enable Hyattsville Police Department (HPD) officers to work smarter, safer, more collaboratively, and more efficiently than ever before.

NCA/NCF