FY 2009 Justice Assistance Grant Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) allows states and units of local governments, 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 purpose 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 Port Huron will use the JAG funds to purchase equipment and hire personnel for the police department. The department will hire personnel for 24 eight-hour shifts and possible overtime to be dedicated to checking the validity of addresses presented by registered sex offenders and to seek apprehension of those wanted on criminal warrants. In addition, the department will purchase the following equipment: up to 60 800 MHz portable radios to aid hands-free communication with the crime prevention patrols on bicycles as well as patrol cars; a macro lens and angle lens for the cameras to enhance evidence presentations during criminal court proceedings by the detectives and traffic investigators; and an upgraded electronic fingerprinting and arrest processing system.

NCA/NCF