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 Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), serving as the State Administering Agency, will use the grant funds to fund programs that will support the overall goal to improve public safety and the quality of life for Massachusetts residents. The focus will be on regionalism, research-based policy, and rational decision making via a competitive grant process that ensures the distribution of funds geographically and across disciplines within JAG purpose areas. The EOPSS will set aside 10 percent of the total award for administrative purposes to support personnel costs, administrative expenses, supplies, space rental, and indirect costs. In addition, the grant will allow for the funding of the Governor's Council to Address Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. The Council, a 30-member group appointed by the Governor, is charged with specific projects to address sexual assault and domestic violence in Massachusetts, (e.g., developing guides for law enforcement agencies regarding adult sexual assault and domestic violence response). The remaining program funds will be subgranted to state, local, and private non-profit agencies to support the following: initiatives that address gangs, guns, and youth violence; substance abuse; reentry; domestic violence and sexual assault; technology; research and evaluation; district attorney;s prosecution and programs; and the capacity of state public safety agencies to provide core services in a variety of the JAG purpose areas.

NCA/NCF