2011 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).

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 disparate jurisdictions consisting of Lancaster County and the city of Lincoln will use the JAG award to support law enforcement initiatives. The city of Lincoln, serving as the fiscal agent, will use their share of the grant funds to support off-site facility costs, such as telephone service, utilities, custodial costs, and subpoena fees, as well as other unit expenses for the Lincoln Police Department's Narcotics Unit. Grant funds will also be used to lease undercover vehicles and purchase surveillance equipment. Lancaster County will use their share of the grant funds to support salary expenses for the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office and the Lancaster County Attorney's Office. The project goal is to reduce illegal drug related violent crime and the use, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

NCA/NCF