FY16 Law Enforcement Initiatives

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).

Richland County, through its Sheriff’s Department, will use this 2016 JAG award implement a program that will provide funds to enhance the suppression and investigation of criminal behavior in Richland County. Funds for officer overtime and related fringe benefits will be used to increase the visibility of the patrol division in targeted high-crime areas. Overtime funds will also be used for the investigation of serious violent crimes. For the past three years, the state of South Carolina has the highest rate of violent crimes in the nation per capita based on the Uniform Crime Reports, Part I offenses. This trend is clearly evident in Richland County.

NCA/NCF