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).

Orange County will use the JAG award to support a variety of law enforcement initiatives that will enhance communications and essential county services. Specifically, funds will be used for the following: 1) purchase of radios for the sheriff's office to enhance digital communications; 2) hiring three court program specialists to provide assessments, screenings, and observed, random urinalysis testing and supervision of youth referred and placed in the Orange County Juvenile Delinquency Drug Court Program (JDDCP); 3) hire one forensic social worker to provide mental health inmates with discharge and case planning, and coordinate on-going case management requirements and follow up; 4) hire one clerk for the Consumer Fraud Unit to perform clerical, receptionist and/or switchboard operator tasks, based on areas of assignment; 5) security upgrades for the Orange County Juvenile Assessment Center parking lot, including the installation of a fence and other surveillance equipment; and 6) a daily after-school program that involves recreational education to teach kids cooperation, self-efficiency, respect, pride and responsibility, while interjecting specific weekly instruction on youth violence, drug use awareness, and crime prevention.

NCA/NCF