Byrne JAG 2011

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 Michigan plans to embark on a strategic planning process which will incorporate all aspects of the criminal justice system. This strategy will include the use and funding of evidence-based strategies within the prioritized program areas. Funding will be used to assist both state and local government with projects that provide needed assistance in areas which can offer outcomes most consistent with the goals of the grant. Program areas available for funding include multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, priority population drug courts, evidence-based efficiency projects, and evaluation and data analysis.

Funds for multi-jurisdictional task forces must integrate federal, state, county and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for the purpose of enhancing interagency coordination and intelligence; Facilitate multijurisdictional investigations to remove mid- and upper-level narcotic offenders and related conspiracies and; Impact and assist in solving regional and local community drug and violent crime-related problems.

This grant will fund twelve felony specialty courts (priority population drug courts) targeting prison bound offenders in the upcoming year.

Funding will also be used assist local communities to improve local criminal justice efforts to efficiently and effectively address crime via an evidence-based solution. Projects must demonstrate increased efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness, or show a positive impact on community members using evidence-based methods.

Finally, awards will be made for evaluation, data collection/analysis, and reporting of Byrne JAG funded efforts or other criminal justice initiatives.

The Michigan State Police will administer the grant and funds will be used to support grant-related travel, conferences, and workshops.

NCA/NCF