Advanced Technology Improvements for Patrol

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 city of Pinellas Park, through the police department, will use the JAG award towards law enforcement initiatives. Specifically, funds will be used to purchase facial recognition and automatic license plate reading technology. The equipment and software purchased for these initiatives will assist in improving safety for law enforcement officers and minimize the inconvenience for innocent citizens in the effort to identify the individuals with criminal records who are attempting to evade the law.

NCA/NCF