Department of Justice fights Mississippi crime

Source: Exec Digital USA

Date :8/15/2007 9:48:36 AM

The Department of Justice has announced nearly $3 million in anti-crime funding to the Mississippi Division of Public Safety Planning.

The funds, provided through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, will be used by the state to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system.

The JAG program, administered by the Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, allows states, tribes and local governments to support criminal justice activities based on local needs and priorities. JAG funds may be used for training, personnel, equipment, and information systems for law enforcement programs. The funds may also be used for prosecution and court programs, drug treatment programs, corrections programs and technology improvement programs.

"These funds will provide state and local governments with the resources they need to partner with the Justice Department in combating crime and protecting communities," Assistant Attorney General Regina B. Schofield says.

The JAG program will allocate more than $300 million this year to U.S. states and territories. Additional funding will be made available to local governments.

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

First available in fiscal year 2005, JAG combines the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Programs to provide agencies with a single grant program that simplifies the administrative process and encourages states and communities to spend funds where they are most needed. JAG requires fewer fiscal and programmatic reports, saving state administering agencies and local programs valuable staff time and resources.