Investigative and Enforement Technology Enhancement.

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).

Grand Traverse County will use the JAG award to enhance three critical initiatives of the sheriff's office, traffic enforcement, drunk driving enforcement, and the detection, identification, apprehension, and conviction of those who frequent child pornography sites. Funding will be used to purchase radar units, portable breath testing units, and an investigator unit. The radar equipment will be used for traffic control efforts and will include a unit that is not detectable by standard radar detectors. This equipment will significantly enhance the enforcement of traffic laws and promote safety. The portable breath tester units will be used to enhance alcohol enforcement and detection of drunk drivers. The investigator equipment will allow criminal investigators to electronically triangulate and locate computer users who are accessing child pornography sites on the internet while using wireless access points. With a court order, investigators can gather detailed evidence of the content transmitted by the suspect device.

NCA/NCF