Vermont FY 2013 Justice Assistance Grant Program

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 program 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 Vermont Department of Public Safety will use the FY 2013 JAG award to support the Vermont Drug Task Force (VTDTF). The VTDTF is a statewide drug task force comprised of a specialized law enforcement unit of state and local law enforcement officers. Through the JAG grant, the VTDTF will continue ongoing investigations into the transportation, sale, possession, and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs The goals of the VTDTF are to infiltrate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations while disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into Vermont; reduce drug crime and associated crime most impacting Vermont communities; identify, investigate and apprehend Vermont's most significant drug dealers while targeting those drugs that most negatively impact Vermont's communities; and combat prescription drug abuse, diversion and illegal distribution.

NCA/CF