2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant (JAG)-Charlotte, NC

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 Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them under the FY 2015 JAG program to build safer communities and provide training improvements. The city of Charlotte will use their share of the funds to support the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Cadet Program and to fund overtime for patrol and the crime lab. The Cadet Program will provide 15 qualified students, enrolled in a local college, an opportunity to work in a law enforcement environment while learning about and training for future employment as a police officer with the CMPD. Crime lab overtime will be used for the analysis of forensic evidence (including DNA, fingerprints, and firearms) in criminal cases designated as “priority” in an effort to reduce periodic backlogs in evidence analysis. Patrol overtime will be used for increased enforcement and problem solving initiatives to address crime problems at the neighborhood level. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) will use their share of the funds to replace their failed firearms simulator in order to comply with the state mandated firearms training. The simulator trains employees for active shooter incidents and shoot/don’t shoot scenarios. Lastly, due to space constraints at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the MCSO will now be responsible for maintaining and storing evidence that is seized during arrests. JAG funds will be used to purchase a Record Safe and Filtration System for their evidence room to ensure adequate storage and ventilation for seized evidence.

NCA/NCF