FY 2011 Justice Assistance Grant 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 state of Texas Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) will use the FY 2011 JAG award to maintain funding for units of government within the volatile Texas-Mexico border. Grant funds will support and enhance patrols in accomplishing their goals of: deterring crime, reducing drug/human trafficking, and intercepting drug proceeds from reaching drug cartels. CJD also plans to maintain support for the 121 problem-solving or specialty courts currently operating in the state. The specialty court include drug, DWI, veterans, family, juvenile, and mental health which have proven to reduce recidivism and costs for the incarceration of offenders. The majority of the remaining funds will be used to purchase equipment for law enforcement agencies, monitor high-risk sex offenders, and promote intelligence sharing and communications among law enforcement and criminal justice professionals.

NCA/NCF