2016 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).

The Criminal Justice Division (CJD) within the Texas Governor's Office will use Fiscal Year 2016 JAG funds towards reducing violent crimes and its effect on communities. CJD strategically directs its resources to first responders and service providers who are committed to making a positive impact. This commitment supports the following criminal justice trends: enhancing information/intelligence gathering and sharing; promoting technology/equipment upgrades for communications, reporting crime via the National Incident-Based Reporting System, laboratory analysis, evidence gathering/first response; expanding border security efforts (particularly combatting the illegal trafficking of humans, drugs and firearms); supporting programs which reduce gun related violent crime and targeting transnational, street and prison gangs (criminal enterprises); supporting programs that protect vulnerable individuals from abuse, violence and sexual assault; and promoting/expanding the specialty court program. The CJD will exceed the minimum pass-through requirement for sub-grants. Remaining funds will be utilized for administrative expenses. NCA/NCF