Puerto Rico 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 Puerto Rico Department of Justice will use JAG funds to support law enforcement, prosecution and courts, prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment, and technology improvement. They will focus on improving operational effectiveness of state and local law enforcement jurisdictions to control and deter crime; improve investigation and prosecution systems; provide alternatives to imprisonment with effective follow-up and identification of juvenile and adult drug users; and reduce the use of controlled substances in penal institutions supporting programs to rehabilitate criminal offenders. The Puerto Rico Department of Justice will also focus on improving the operational effectiveness of forensic laboratories by enhancing the capacity of state forensic laboratories to conduct improved investigations and analysis of evidence related to violent crimes; reducing the flow of illegal drugs and narcotics by improving the operational effectiveness of law enforcement agencies; improving the criminal and juvenile justice system, through joint and integrated coordination to address domestic violence, sexual offense, child abuse, elderly abuse, and witness protection; and establishing drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs for adults and juvenile offenders to provide comprehensive treatment services and reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

NCA/NCF