2014 Gaston County Justice Assistance 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).

Gaston County and the city of Gastonia have been identified disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them through the Fiscal Year 2014 JAG award to enhance their capabilities for preventing, intervening, suppressing and managing crime and disorder within Gaston County's three largest law enforcement agencies. The Gastonia Police Department is using its share of the funds to purchase body camera systems. The new technology will enhance officer safety, reduce liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability. The Gaston County Police Department is using its share of the funds to purchase new State approved speed detection devices, which will allow the department to meet the 2017 state compliancy deadline. And finally, the Gaston County Sheriff's Office is using its share of the funds to purchase upgraded equipment, including a communication radio, AR-15 Rifles, an instant recall recorder and motor cycle helmets. The funds will be used to improve officer and citizen safety, along with acquiring more efficient equipment. NCA/NCF