Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: District Attorney
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
Grant Acceptance - United States Department of Justice, Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
Body
Information Contact: Sherry Boston or Roslynn Harris
Phone Number: 404-371-4773
PURPOSE:
To consider accepting the law enforcement-oriented projects currently being proposed for DeKalb County’s allocation of $304,808 for the Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Local Solicitation Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG); and
To consider authorizing the Chief Executive Officer to execute the necessary documents.
NEED/IMPACT:
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) allocated funding to DeKalb County, Georgia under BJA’s Fiscal Year 2016 Local Solicitation Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $304,808. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures. The DeKalb County’s JAG Team, which includes the District Attorney, Drug Court, Juvenile Court, Marshal, Police, DeKalb Schools, Sheriff, and Solicitor General proposed the following funding allocations:
|
Agency |
Purpose Area |
JAG |
Match |
Total |
|
District Attorney |
Prosecution and/or Court |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Drug Court |
Drug Treatment and Enforcement |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Juvenile Court |
Prosecution and/or Court |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Marshal’s Office |
Law Enforcement (Match Fund: 03720.611250.100.0000.0000) |
$38,101.00 |
$20,000 |
$58,101.00 |
|
Police |
Law Enforcement |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
School System |
Prevention and Education |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Sheriff’s Office |
Corrections and Community Corrections |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Solicitor-General |
Prosecution and/or Court |
$38,101.00 |
-0- |
$38,101.00 |
|
Total |
|
$304,808 |
$20,000 |
$324,808 |
Project Descriptions:
The DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office
The purpose of this project is to enhance investigators’ safety by equipping them with proper weapons and identifications. This project also allows Office to continue upgrading the fleet of police vehicles used by investigators.
The DeKalb County Drug Court
DCDC plans to utilize JAG funds for the purpose of supporting the salary and benefits of the full-time Track 1 Case Manager. The current request is to fund the position from 10/01/2017-09/30/2020.
The DeKalb County Juvenile Court
DeKalb County Juvenile Court (DCJC) proposes to enhance court services by providing additional training opportunities to juvenile court employees through the court. In addition, DCJC proposes to enhance its evidence based GED program, and to supplement its staff training programs.
The DeKalb County Marshal’s Office
This project will provide for executive leadership and management training to enhance the capabilities of supervisory personnel. Additionally, body worn cameras will be purchased for four deputies.
The DeKalb County Police
JAG funding will be used for officer training and for tactical tools used for forced entry and police safety during daily standard and police emergency operations. A crime scene camera will be purchased for investigators to process, photograph, and manage crimes scenes. It will also be used during the suspect interview process. Computer equipment dedicated to forensics and case processing will also be purchased.
The DeKalb County School System
Students who have been suspended for substance abuse or violence infractions will have the opportunity to attend a specific-skill based program with their parents. These 6-hour programs are conducted monthly in order to reduce suspension times by five days and serve as a strategy to remediate a student’s unacceptable behavior.
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office A.C.T.S. (Acquiring Career Training and Skills) Program will contract with Goodwill Industries to deliver vocational training and job coaching to seven inmates housed at the DeKalb County Jail.
The DeKalb County Solicitor-General’s Office
Operating supplies for SVU, Diversion and Community Prosecution programs will be purchased. Supplies and materials will be purchased to facilitate teen student safety events for five high schools in the County. Counseling services for diversion programs will be funded. Also funded will be ½ of a police cruiser, with the remaining ½ to be taken out of a prior JAG grant.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Accept the law enforcement-oriented projects currently being proposed for DeKalb County’s allocation of $304,808 for the Federal Fiscal Year 2017 Local Solicitation Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG); and Authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the necessary documents. .