2013 Justice Assitance Grant

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 city of Gastonia and Gaston County have been identified as disparate and will share the aggregate of funds allocated to them through the FY 2013 JAG Program for their three law enforcement agencies. The Gastonia Police Department is using its share of the funds to purchase wireless in-car cameras. The Gaston County Police Department is using funds to purchase new State approved speed detection devices. Currently the Department uses MPH Industries Python II radar units. The State of North Carolina has published a new list of approved speed detection devices for use in NC with a compliance deadline of 2017, but the Department's current units are not included on the list. The Gaston County Sheriff's Office will use funds to upgrade their Camera System at the jail. The new system will provide a total observation of inmates and staff while they are out in the jail pod and reduce the number of dead spots that cannot be viewed from the cameras, thus ensuring the safety of the jail staff as well as the inmates. As a collective project, these purchases will help to enhance the resources of law enforcement within Gaston County and beyond. NCA/NCF