Improving Officer Safety 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 town of Tonawanda, through the police department, will use the FY 2010 JAG funds in the amount of $17,902 to purchase tactical vests. The Tonawanda Police Department will outfit S.W.A.T. with tactical vests, complete with trauma plates, arm protectors, and pouches. Current body armor is over ten years old and outdated per specifications. The armor will be used during training exercises and tactical response situations to help protect officers from assault.

NCA/NCF