2012 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program Gaston County

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).

Gaston County and the city of Gastonia have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them under the Fiscal Year 2012 JAG Program to provide resources for Gaston County's three largest law enforcement agencies to enhance their capabilities for preventing, intervening, suppressing and managing crime and disorder within each agency's respective jurisdiction. The Gastonia Police Department is using its share of the funds to purchase wireless in-car camera systems. The Gaston County Police Department is using its share of the funds to purchase rifle systems and video monitors. The video monitors will provide access to training for larger groups of officers, and the rifle systems are needed to supplement the existing systems that are becoming antiquated. The Gaston County Sheriff's Office is using its share of the funds to purchase equipment needed to improve law enforcement, corrections and community programs. The equipment being purchased includes an 800 MHz radio and round gun magazines for repeating firearms. The Sheriff's Office will also allocate JAG funds for specialized training for Detention Officer, Deputies, Civilian Employees, and Telecommunicators and for overtime that occurs because of mandatory and/or non-mandatory training and emergency situations. As a collective project, these purchases will enhance the resources of law enforcement within Gaston County and beyond.

NCA/NCF