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).

Luzerne County and the cities of Wilkes-Barre and Hazelton will use JAG funds to enhance law enforcement operations. Specific grant funded activity will include the purchase of Tasers that will provide officers a less-than-lethal option when confronted with combative individuals, and equipment and software that will enhance communications between dispatchers and officers in the field. Training and officer overtime costs associated with saturation patrols of targeted areas of the city will also be funded. For grant administration purposes, the city of Wilkes-Barre will serve as the fiscal agent for this award.

NCA/NCF