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).

Berks County and the city of Reading will use JAG funds to enhance law enforcement efforts. Through the grant, the city will support overtime costs needed to conduct problem oriented policing operations, and to purchase Tasers for its police officers. The county will fund equipment, training, and overtime costs for the District Attorney's Municipal Crash Reconstruction Task Force Program and also purchase duty weapons, holsters, and tactical lights for the District Attorney's detectives. For grant administration purposes, the city has been designated as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF