Over $6.5 Million in Byrne/Justice
Assistant Grants (JAG) Awarded to Local Law Enforcement Agencies
JEFFERSON CITY, May 23, 2006-Public Safety Director
Mark James is pleased to announce the award of over $6.5 million in
Byrne/Justice Assistant Grants (JAG) to Missouri law enforcement agencies.
The grant program funds are administered by the Missouri Department
of Public Safety and are made possible through the U.S. Department
of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
“The cities, counties and state agencies who
received the JAG grants are being rewarded for their outstanding anti-drug
and anti-crime efforts,” James said. “Missouri is fortunate
to take part in this partnership to create safer communities.”
Thirty-one agencies will receive portions of the $6,577,790.19
in federal grant funding for Missouri, while each agency must match
25 percent of their individual award.
Some agencies have applied to use award money to fund
Drug Task Forces (DTFs). Task force members investigate and assist
in the prosecution of those who manufacture, distribute and transport
illegal narcotics in Missouri. All programs funded through the Criminal
Justice/Law Enforcement Program (CJLE) identify state and local initiatives,
which assist the state in the enforcement of drug control, or controlled
substance laws, initiatives which emphasize the prevention of control
of violent crime and serious offenders, and initiatives which improve
the effectiveness of the state and local criminal justice system.
Although all states are getting less in (JAG) funds
from the federal government than previous years, the program still
serves an important function in preventing drug abuse.
Attached is a breakdown of cities and counties awarded.