Fort Bend County FY 2013 JAG Project

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).

Fort Bend County plans to utilize the FY 2013 Local JAG funds for personnel costs and equipment. Funds will be allocated to various county departments. Specifically, the Behavioral Health Services Department will use the JAG grant to fund a part-time assistant to work with the department director to deliver training services to law enforcement personnel, and provide assistance to individuals with mental illness who are at-risk for involvement with the criminal justice system. The Ft. Bend County Sheriff's Office will receive communications equipment needed for investigation coordination and officer safety. The county's four precinct constables' offices and juvenile probation investigators will purchase various equipment for law enforcement services, officer safety, and prosecution and community outreach. The county attorney's environmental investigative officers will be able to enhance inspection capabilities and issue warranted citations. The Fire Marshal's Office will enhance its investigations with updated equipment, thus allowing staff to conduct effective investigations and store evidence for later prosecution. In addition, the county's Auditor Office provides administrative support to all departments receiving grant funds. Overall, the safety equipment, communication supplies, field equipment, and support personnel can achieve improved outcomes whereby law enforcement officials' safety and processes are improved and the community at large is provided with greater service and security.

NCA/NCF