FY 2016 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant

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 Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will use this Fiscal Year 2016 JAG award to provide local law enforcement elements with funding to upgrade or enhance law enforcement equipment including, but not limited to computers, police radios, weapons, body armor and other equipment. To establish and or support multi-jurisdictional drug and violent crime task forces throughout the state, with the intent of reducing illegal drug activity through increased arrests and prosecution of prime offenders. Funds will also be used to establish and or support implementation of evidence based crime prevention education and early intervention programs for school aged youth. Specific activities involve promoting and encouraging coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies and providing programs that will deliver law enforcement and crime prevention training. This will assist cities and counties to remove or reduce the opportunity for crimes within their counties and across the state, and support various state projects in an effort to minimize and avoid reduction in essential services.

NCA/NCF