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Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

Prohibited Expenditures & Associated Procedures Under JAG

The JAG statute, at 34 U.S.C. § 10152(d), specifically identifies a list of prohibited items. JAG funds provided under this part may NOT be used, directly or indirectly, to provide any of the following matters: (1) Any security enhancements or any equipment to any nongovernmental entity that is not engaged in criminal justice or public safety. (2) Unless the Attorney General certifies that extraordinary and exigent circumstances exist that make the use of such funds to provide such matters essential to the maintenance of public safety and good order:

  • Vehicles, vessels, or aircraft*
  • Luxury items
  • Real estate
  • Construction projects (other than penal or correctional institutions)
  • Any similar matters

*Police cruisers, police boats, and police helicopters are allowable vehicles under JAG and do not require BJA certification. For purposes of JAG, a vehicle is considered a “police cruiser” only if it is used in the ordinary course for routine police patrol within the United States. Vehicles (including motorcycles, SUVs, and ATVs) used as “police cruisers” are not prohibited under JAG, and therefore may be acquired with JAG funds in the ordinary course, to the extent otherwise allowable under the award. For more information, please see the JAG Prohibited Expenditures Guidance. Please refer to the JAG FAQs for details on how to request prior approval (a waiver) from BJA to utilize JAG funds for prohibited item(s).

Note: The use of BJA grant funds for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV), and/or any accompanying accessories to support UAS or UAV devices/systems, is unallowable; no waivers can be submitted for these purchases.

Date Modified: December 22, 2022
Date Created: May 23, 2022