Fiscal Year 2010 JAG 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).

The disparate jurisdictions consisting of Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Dartmouth, and Bristol County will use the FY 2010 JAG funds for local initiatives designed to improve or enhance prevention and enforcement efforts throughout the communities, and contribute to public safety and assist with budget stabilization efforts during fiscal difficulties. These funds will allow communities to maximize their resources and more efficiently target emerging and chronic crime problems, preventing crimes before they occur and ultimately lessening the burden on the courts and the justice system. The Bristol County selected the Bristol County Sheriff's Office as the fiscal agent and was designated with the management of grant funds. The city of Attleboro, New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton and Dartmouth will all use the funds to support their Police Departments with overtime costs. The funds will pay for overtime incurred from a variety of prevention and enforcement efforts throughout the community. In addition, the funds will be used to purchase law enforcement equipment. Specifically, the New Bedford will use grant funds to upgrade equipment, including surveillance, special operations, and communications needs. The city of Fall River will pay for equipment upgrades and technology upgrades, including computers, and other technology and police supplies. The Taunton Police Department will upgrade crime-fighting technology, purchase police supplies, and police equipment. The Town of Dartmouth earmarked for technological equipment including but not limited to remote IP based surveillance camera equipment and mobile connectivity. Much needed police equipment and supplies will be funded. Finally, as the fiscal agency for the grant, Bristol County will obligate $9,178.43 to pay for administrative costs associated with the grant preparation, management, and reporting.

NCA/NCF