President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder announced $2 billion in Recovery Act 2009 funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance available through the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
The JAG Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and improve the criminal justice system. Those activities include:
- 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).
“These funds are a vital component in our effort to not just revive our economy, but to build a new foundation for lasting prosperity and security,” President Obama said. “By keeping police officers on the streets whose jobs were threatened by budget cuts and ensuring states and municipalities have the tools and equipment necessary to fight crime, this money will simultaneously help jumpstart the American economy and protect our citizens.”
Estimated State vs. Local Government Distribution of Funds
The procedure for allocating JAG grants is based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share of funding. Sixty percent of the allocation is awarded directly to a state and 40 percent is set aside for units of local governments. Funding will be used by states and more than 5000 local communities to enhance their ability to protect communities and combat crime.
Track funds going to your state and local government using the map provided by the Department of Justice.
