Henderson/Vance BJA JAG Grant 2016

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 Henderson and Vance County have been identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of funds allocated to them through the FY 2016 JAG Program. The city of Henderson will use their share of the funds to purchase new in-car mobile camera audio/video recording systems. The new technology will replace older systems and will be used by the police department to record the activities and vehicle stops of officers in marked patrol vehicles. Video recordings will be used as evidence in criminal cases, defend against false claims filed against officers, and enhance public safety and officer accountability. Vance County will use their share of the funds to purchase ballistic body armor for sworn officers. The new vests will enhance officer safety by replacing old and out of warranty body armor that is currently in use. NCA/NCF