Hattiesburg and Forrest County Community Policing Enhancement Projects

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 disparate jurisdictions will use the JAG award to support law enforcement initiatives. Funds will be used to purchase motion tablets to replace outdated and nonworking mobile data terminals used by Hattiesburg patrol officers. The tablets will allow for increased efficiency in uploading and accessing data by officers in the field. The Forrest County Sheriff's Department will update its existing correctional officer capabilities by purchasing individual officer equipment, expansion of the less lethal programs and purchase cell entry/extraction equipment. The goal is to improve correctional officer's response to criminal elements and improve service to the residents of Forrest County.

NCA/NCF