City of Edinburg Police Department Canine Project

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 Edinburg will use the FY2011 Bureau of Justice Assistance JAG funds for the purchase of two dual purpose police dogs commonly referred to as a "K-9 dog", and handler training. The current police dogs were retired due to their age and the new K-9 dogs will be trained specifically to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel. The K-9 duties will include clearing buildings for wanted subjects or apprehensions. The dogs will also assist officers while conducting traffic enforcement on local highways which are known to be corridors utilized by criminals for transporting narcotics for distribution points throughout the United States.

NCA/NCF