2010 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

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 disparate jurisdiction of the county of Northampton and the cities of Bethlehem and Easton will use this 2010 JAG award ($59,161) to boost their coordinated crime prevention and reduction strategies. The Bethlehem Police Department ($39,094) will use the funds to upgrade computer and tactical equipment and the Easton Police Department ($20,067) will use the funds to deploy a community video system. The decision by the municipalities to use the grant funds in this way reflects their commitment to ensuring the health, safety and protection of their citizens. The Bethlehem Police Department will submit the required programmatic and fiscal reports to keep all interested parties apprised of the coordinated effort of moving forward toward the goal of preventing and reducing crime in Northampton County.

NCA/NCF