2011 Justice Assistance Grant

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 City of Laredo and Webb County will receive grant funds under the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2011 JAG Local Program. As disparate jurisdictions, the City will serve as the fiscal agent to administer the JAG funds. The City of Laredo Police Department will use the allocated share to add communication staff. Additional staff will ensure that all communications are properly being transmitted within the department and to other agencies.

Webb County will use their portion of grant funds to enhance/improve law enforcement capabilities at the Webb County Sheriff's Office and the County Jail. Through the utilization of grant-procured safety, control, and communication equipment; and supplies at the Webb County Jail, the Sheriff's Office will be able to update their facility. The Sheriff's Office will be able to provide an environment with enhanced officer safety, effective communication, and non-intrusive control mechanisms. Grant funds will provide the County with an opportunity to better serve all correctional officers, jail inmates, civilian employees, visiting citizens, and other law enforcement personnel utilizing the jail.

NCA/NCF