Officer Safety and Vehicle Equipment Enhancement

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 Asheville and Buncombe County are identified as disparate and have agreed to share the aggregate of 2016 JAG funds allocated to them for officer safety and vehicle equipment enhancement. The Asheville Police Department will use their share of the funds to purchase Tasers conducted electronic weapons (CEWs). The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will use their share of the funds to purchase patrol vehicle modems which will process electronic communications and data storage more quickly.

NCA/NCF