Efforts to Improve Safe Driving by Enforcing Speed Limits and Raleigh's Problem-Oriented Policing through Youth Mentoring and Officer Overtime

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).

Wake County and the city of Raleigh have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them through the FY 2012 JAG Program to provide regional law enforcement the required tools to enhance traffic safety, increase productivity, and promote and support strategies to reduce crime. The Wake County Sheriff's Office will use their share of the funds to purchase speed measurement devices for law enforcement officers. This target area will focus on improving the quality of speed monitoring and increasing traffic safety. The Raleigh Police Department will use their share of the funds for overtime to identify crimes within the city and implement strategies for solutions. This target area will address crime prevention in select neighborhoods and reduce the fear of crime and social disorder through problem-solving tactics and police-community partnerships. The city of Raleigh will also use JAG to fund part-time mentors at local community centers. The police department has implemented a Retired Officer Part-Time Employment Program and this award will allow retired officers to provide at risk youth mentorship while addressing gangs and youth violence. NCA/NCF