Navajo Justice System Change through Assessment and Evaluation

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 grantee will use the JAG funds to conduct a thorough assessment of the Navajo justice system. An evaluation of the current system will be conducted to yield recommendations for improvement and the tribe's viability to enact the enhanced provisions of TLOA and VAWA. The evaluation will be used to develop a Navajo Nation Tribal Action Plan that will capitalize on strengths, eliminate deficiencies, and drive justice initiatives that will improve, streamline and enhance service delivery. NCA/NCF