Local Law Enforcement 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).

Lake County, serving as the fiscal agent, will share this Fiscal Year 2010 JAG award in the amount of $308,572 with five disparate jurisdictions within the county. The cities of East Chicago and Gary, and the town of Merrillville will use award funds to pay overtime salary cost for law enforcement officers. The extra man-hours provided will address crime "hot spots" within each city. The city of Hammond and Lake County will replace and upgrade communications equipment to increase officer safety. The city of Hobart will use funds to acquire an off the road vehicle to patrol the lake fronts and boardwalks of Lake George and 40 other bodies of water within the jurisdiction.

NCA/NCF