Mississippi FY 2015 Justice Assistance Grant 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).

With this 2015 State JAG award, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety will focus on the goals of reducing violent and drug related crime in the state; and increasing implementation of evidence-based programs. To achieve these goals, JAG funds will be distributed to local criminal justice and law enforcement agencies in three main programs: Drug Courts; Local Law Enforcement Support; and Hot Spots Policing (evidence-based program). One focus area for the 2015 local law enforcement support program will be funding body worn cameras for MS localities. The new Hot Spots Policing program will focus on implementing effective crime reduction and crime prevention strategies in select communities that exhibit high rates of crime based on Uniform Crime Reports.

NCA/NCF