Transportation and Technological Improvement

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 Anniston and Calhoun County, AL have agreed upon the distribution of 2016 JAG funds, the items to be purchased, and the process used to assess program effectiveness. The purpose of each agency’s program is to promote public safety by utilizing modern equipment in an effort to police more effectively. Each agency will use grant funds to update the technology and equipment which will allow officers to efficiently maintain and share vital law enforcement information. These updates in equipment provide for increased officer and public safety and improved department efficiency. Although the manner in which these funds will be used makes it difficult to assess program effectiveness through increased arrests, crimes prevented, etc., it is reasonable to expect that police services will be provided more proficiently with the aid of enhanced technology and updated equipment. The goals of the involved agencies are to improve the overall level of public safety and officer safety using the equipment purchased with this grant. They will discuss the progress of their programs and work together to address any problems that may arise.

NCA/NCF