Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to states, territories and units of local government. JAG funds may be used to hire additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice, including any one or more of the following:

• Law enforcement programs
• Prosecution and court programs
• Prevention and education programs
• Corrections and community corrections programs
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs
• Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
• Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
• Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams

JAG funds awarded to a state or territory government under the JAG solicitation may be used to enforce state and local laws that establish offenses similar to offenses established in 21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq. and/or to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, with emphasis on violent crime and serious offenders, by providing additional personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the more widespread apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation of persons who violate these laws and to assist the victims of such crimes (other than compensation).

Note that the statute defines “criminal justice” as “activities pertaining to crime prevention, control, or reduction, or the enforcement of the criminal law, including, but not limited to, police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, including juveniles, activities of courts having criminal jurisdiction, and related agencies (including but not limited to prosecutorial and defender services, juvenile delinquency agencies and pretrial service or release agencies), activities of corrections, probation, or parole authorities and related agencies assisting in the rehabilitation, supervision, and care of criminal offenders, and programs relating to the prevention, control, or reduction of narcotic addiction and juvenile delinquency.”

For additional information on JAG Grant program administered by LEPC contact Ana M. Creque (340) 774-6400 ext. 209 or via email ana.creque@lepc.vi.gov.