Information Technology Updates

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 town of West Springfield will use Fiscal Year 2010 JAG funds to purchase law enforcement technology equipment for the West Springfield Police Department. Specific purchases will include computers and a printer in order to maintain and update the police network system. White collar crime, due to internet fraud, and identification theft, has been exploding for the past 10 years. Due to budget cuts, the West Springfield Police Department has had to struggle to keep the police computer needs updated. Currently, the computers are repaired and replaced on an as needed basis and the purchase will allow the Department to keep up with the current technology. The West Springfield Police Department has made the infrastructure of the Information Technology Department a priority in the Mission Statement and the new equipment will allow for enhancement of technological capabilities.

NCA/NCF