Kalamazoo 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 disparate jurisdictions (city of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County) will use their JAG funds to improve law enforcement service delivery, increase officer safety and the use of digital technology in the criminal justice system, and enhance neighborhood crime reduction initiatives. Specifically, Kalamazoo County will fund overtime for enforcement and crime prevention efforts for the users of the trail system and the lakes and waterways of Kalamazoo County. The County will also modify department headquarters to allow for an interview room equipped with recording capabilities. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will use their funds to purchase communications equipment, such as digital storage, recording units and video cameras, and computer-based training systems. They will also purchase computer software to track officer profiling trends during traffic stops.

NCA/NCF