FY 15 JAG Program

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 offset overtime costs associated with backfilling positions due to sending officers to mental health service training for law enforcement. The training will improve officer and communications operator understanding of signs and symptoms of mental health disability and co-occurring disorders. Through proper training, employees will enhance their skills to safely and effectively de-escalate individuals and avoid inadvertently escalating the crisis or situation into a violent encounter. NCA/NCF