Crime Reduction and Prevention Strategies

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 Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them under the FY 2012 JAG award for problem solving initiatives to reduce crime and increase the perception of safety in neighborhoods throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) will fund overtime for police officers to address chronic crime problems and emerging crime trends that can be impacted by an enhanced police presence and the application of specific crime reduction strategies. CMPD will also hire police cadets to assist the patrol divisions in their crime prevention and community outreach initiatives. Youth initiatives are a key component of the departments long term crime reduction strategy so JAG funds will be used to pay the salaries for staff for after school and summer programs at two sites in Charlotte. The programs will provide tutoring as well as classes and activities that enhance the life skills of the participants. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office will enhance the security of its corrections officers through the purchase of updated TASERs. They will also increase security at their Jail North facility through the purchase of updated metal detectors. The Sheriff's Office will also purchase books and videos for its community outreach programs which include crime prevention classes and information for inmates and visitors to their facilities. NCA/NCF