Galveston County Law Enforcement Technology and Safety Improvement 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).

The Galveston County, the city of Texas, and the city of Galveston have been designated as disparate jurisdictions to share the FY2010 Bureau of Justice Assistance JAG award. Galveston County will serve as the fiscal agent for the award and use their portion of grant funds to purchase law enforcement equipment. The grant funds will be used to enhance criminal prosecutions with the use of in-car video camera systems. The city of Texas will use their share of the grant funds to purchase tactical equipment and patrol equipment. Funds will be used to purchase specialized tactical patrol uniforms, duty rigs, duty weapons, rifles and attachments, non-lethal weapons/tasers, and fire retardant clothing/helmets. The equipment will outfit Tactical Patrol Units which enhance law enforcement safety and reduction efforts. The city of Galveston will use their share of grant funds to purchase equipment that will enhance the prosecution of criminals. Law enforcement will be equipped with better evidence-based collection equipment, including 30 basic Patrol Identification Crime Scene kits and 10 Advanced Patrol Identification Crime Scene Kits (cameras, batteries, and crime scene processing materials). Galveston will use grant funds to purchase 2 Kawaski mules 4010 4X4. Galveston Island provides enforcement on approximately 31 miles of beach. The additional 2 miles will service the east end and support crime suppression/reduction efforts.

NCA/NCF