Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2009, $372,351)
This grant program is authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5) (the 'Recovery Act') and by 42 U.S.C. 3751(a). The stated purposes of the Recovery Act are: to preserve and create jobs and promote economic recovery; to assist those most impacted by the recession; to provide investments needed to increase economic efficiency by spurring technological advances in science and health; to invest in transportation, environmental protection, and other infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits; and to stabilize state and local government budgets, in order to minimize and avoid reductions in essential services and counterproductive state and local tax increases. The Recovery Act places great emphasis on accountability and transparency in the use of taxpayer dollars. Among other things, it creates a new Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board and a new website ' Recovery.gov ' to provide information to the public, including access to detailed information on grants and contracts made with Recovery Act funds.
The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program funded under the Recovery Act is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Recovery JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multi-jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. Recovery JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.
The city of Springfield was selected as the fiscal agent. The city of Springfield and Clark County will equally divide the JAG allocation. Both jurisdictions will use funds for law enforcement projects. The Springfield Police Division plans to purchase two police cruisers, tasers, a mobile crime scene truck, cameras, and a camcorder for crime scene investigations. The cruisers are required for officer and public safety and will replace older vehicles that are scheduled for rotation from the fleet. The tasers will be used to reduce the number of injuries to officers and suspects. The mobile crime scene truck, cameras, and camcorder will allow officers to respond to and effectively process crime scenes using fewer officer hours and will provide the courts with accurate crime scene evidence. The time savings will result in additional hours available for patrolling the city and deterring crimes. The Clark County Sheriff's Office will use funds to increase the effectiveness and safety in the field and enhance the quality of service to the community. Plans are to upgrade equipment for patrol vehicles, purchase reflective vests and safety equipment for personnel, upgrade equipment in the jail division; and purchase digital cameras and camcorders, a surveillance kit, and safety equipment for investigators. The evidence room will also be upgraded to enhance security and accountability. Equipment purchases will be made expeditiously and while all will be American made, much will come from the local community.
NCA/NCF