Catawba County and Hickory Police Deaprtment JAG Award 2012

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 Hickory and Catawba County have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them for equipment purchases aimed to improve law enforcement. Catawba County Sheriff's Office will use funds to purchase a Universal Forensic Extractor, which will be used to obtain data at crime scenes and pursuant to search warrants. This system can be used in the field to extract data (text, GPS, photos, call logs, contacts, memory, passwords, and deleted data) from cell phones, vehicle GPS systems, and tablets. This information is essential to criminal investigations due to the wide use of wireless devices. They will also purchase a handheld through-wall sensor, which is used to detect people through walls. This system detects slight movements (even breathing) with range up to 50 feet through walls, floors and ceilings. The city of Hickory Police Department will use funds to purchase an Infrared/Thermal Imaging Camera Recorder and equipment/supplies for law enforcement firearms training. NCA/NCF