Cross Country

COPS Conference Announced

Join the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, July 27-29, 2006, and learn how community policing is relevant in responding to everything from natural disasters to domestic security concerns. Registration is free but limited. Visit the COPS website for more information.

DOJ Awards More Than $200 Million To Fight Crime

The Department of Justice recently announced $200 million in anti-crime funding that will go to all the states and territories. The funds, provided through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, will be used by state and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system.  

The JAG program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support criminal justice activities based on respective local needs and priorities. Funds through the JAG program may be used for training, personnel, equipment, and information systems for law enforcement programs. Funding may also be used for prosecution and court programs, drug treatments programs, corrections programs, and technology improvement programs.

“Reducing crime is one of our top priorities at the Justice Department, but we cannot do it alone,” said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. “We rely on those closest to the problem to find solutions that fit their needs. This money will go directly to the front lines, where state and local law enforcement can use it to fight crime and protect our communities.”

First available in Fiscal Year 2005, JAG combines the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) programs to provide agencies with a single grant program that simplifies the administrative process. JAG requires fewer fiscal and programmatic reports, saving state administering agencies and local programs valuable staff time and resources.

The total amount of funding available through the JAG program this year is $292 million. Awards to state governments, totaling $200 million, ranged from $21.8 million to California to $513,000 to South Dakota. In addition, later this year, $92 million will be distributed among more than 1,400 local communities nationwide. Of the 1,400 communities, 14 tribal communities are eligible for direct funding through JAG.

Awards through the JAG program are determined by a formula that includes a minimum allocation to each state. Additional funds, based on a state’s population and crime statistics, are included in the state’s award. JAG requires that states subgrant a variable amount of funds to local units of government, such as a city, county, township, town, or tribe. Faith-based and other community organizations are eligible to receive pass-through funding from the state.