A Regional Approach to Community Policing

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 Richmond will utilize its JAG funds to support the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court, and the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. The police department will use the funds to: support the Police Athletic League's (PAL's) recreational activities, supplies, and staffing needs; pay overtime costs to conduct crime suppression efforts; address illegal firearms; purchase tactical equipment to address public and officer safety; and allow sworn and non-sworn personnel to attend leadership development trainings. The Richmond Adult Drug Treatment Court will use the funds to provide psychiatric counseling services and prescription medications for offenders with co-occurring mental illness. The Commonwealth Attorney's Office will use the funds to allow prosecutors to attend training courses and to purchase a courtroom television monitor.

NCA/NCF