Public Safety Enhancement Project

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 disparate jurisdictions consisting of Buena Vista County and the city of Storm Lake will utilize their Recovery Act JAG funds to purchase public safety equipment. The city of Storm Lake, acting as the fiscal agent, will use their allocation ($17,937) to purchase and install four audio capable security cameras and an upgraded DVR to the existing system in the county jail booking area. The additional cameras will adequately cover large deficits in the booking area providing better documentation, which will translate to less court time and enhanced evidence and monitoring. Buena Vista County will use their portion of the funds ($14,104) to purchase 18 walkie talkies and carry cases, 18 hand held microphones, three six-port charges, and five tasers with cartridges. The funding of the communications equipment is critical during fiscally constrained times, preserving jobs and backfilling positions.

NCA/NCF