Safety Equipment Augmentation 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 City of Fresno, acting as the fiscal agent for the FY 2012 JAG Award agreed to utilize some of the grant funds to continue to meet the Commission on Accreditation Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) standards and maintain accreditation. Specifically, JAG funds are being utilized to support the on-going costs of training, conferences, technology, and equipment necessary to meet these standards. This is an essential accreditation which not only recognizes the City of Fresno Police Department's procedural efficiencies, but also ensures those procedures and polices are practiced. Standard policies and procedures are essential tools for all front line officers to effectively carryout their mission. Additionally, these grant funds will be used to hire one staff assistant and to purchase much needed law enforcement related equipment.

A portion of the 2012 JAG grant funds will afford the purchase of explosives, supplies, and to buy a portable robotic platform for video surveillance of explosive venues for the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit (EOD) that assists the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in tactical operations. EOD supplies are needed for continued use in identifying and rendering safe, and/or disposing of explosive materials encountered for both criminal and non-criminal responsibilities.

The remainder of the 2012 JAG grant funds will be utilized to augment the Fresno County Sheriff Office's Video Infrastructure Protection Program (VIPP). The VIPP is a multi-functional video system that has been developed and installed to provide enhanced law enforcement video surveillance capabilities for both critical infrastructure within Fresno County as well as to supplement high profile sites needing law enforcement presence, such as high use recreational areas, designated high crime locations, and target-specific locations. As necessary, a portion of funds will be utilized to procure additional surveillance camera equipment, radios, related technical equipment, and installation costs to expand the functional use of the currently developed video system.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office will utilize a portion of the FY 2012 JAG funds to support a vertical prosecutor position. JAG funds will also be used to purchase explosives, supplies, and a portable robotic platform for video surveillance of explosive venues for the EOD that assists the SWAT team in tactical operations. EOD supplies are needed for continued use in identifying, rendering safe, and/or disposing of explosive materials encountered for both criminal and non-criminal responsibilities.

NCA/NCF