Underwater Crime Scene and Diving 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 grantee will use the FY 2011 JAG funding for their Underwater Crime Scene and Diving Program. The Walton County Sheriff's Office will purchase underwater crime scene and dive equipment for the purpose of providing increased incident command capability in order to have the ability to rapidly deploy resources and accurately gather timely intelligence at crime scene investigations that occur on or near waterways in the county. Basic dive equipment that will be purchased including masks, fins, buoyancy compensators, regulators, boots, gloves, and underwater communications systems. A digital camera with waterproof housing will be purchased to document evidence. Underwater dive lights and flashlights will be purchased to provide much needed visibility for the safety of all persons involved in the crime scene investigation. The equipment would allow the Sheriff's Office to assist the South Walton Fire Department and the Florida Wildlife and Fisheries Commission on search and rescue missions and any environmental issues that may arise.

NCA/NCF