JAG Grant Boosts Police Operations in Nashua

New Hampshire law enforcement departments have received three grants, part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program through the U.S. Department of Justice.

The largest grant was awarded to the New Hampshire Department of Justice, which received $1.08 million to thwart drug operations, investigate cyber-related crimes and complete the statewide criminal justice information system, known as J-ONE.

A second grant to Manchester and Nashua Police Departments, and Hillsborough County, for $211,014 grant will go toward the purchase of radar detection equipment and provide officers with emergency first aid products and training.

Concord Police Department and Merrimack County Sheriff's office have received a $27,000  grant to buy Tasers, patrol bicycles and forensic equipment.

The news comes from Sen. Jeanne Shaheen's website.

“New Hampshire depends on a well-equipped, well-trained law enforcement workforce to protect our families and communities," said Shaheen.  "This funding is an important part of ensuring that our officers have the tools and expertise they need to carry out this critical responsibility. These grants are an investment in the men and women who risk their lives day in and day out to keep the Granite State safe.”

"The Byrne JAG program is vital to New Hampshire's ability to fight the illegal drug trade within the state,” said New Hampshire Attorney General Michael Delaney. “These funds support a single statewide multijurisdictional drug task force designed to help local law enforcement address the types of drug crimes that severely impact the quality of life within the State of New Hampshire.  As illegal drug use is often tied to crimes ranging from property crime to assault to homicide, it is imperative that New Hampshire continues to support efforts to reduce the flow of illegal drugs within the state."

“In these difficult economic times, it’s challenging for police departments to afford the tools we need to fight crime as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Concord Police Chief John Duval. “The JAG program provides assistance to help us purchase critical equipment that we otherwise would not be able to acquire.”

According to the U.S.  Department of Commerce, which oversees JAG grants,  money awarded may be used to provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for more widespread apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation of offenders who violate such state and local laws. Grants also may be used to provide assistance (other than compensation) to victims of these offenders.

JAG Formula Grant Program has six Purpose Areas:

1. Law enforcement programs
2. Prosecution and court programs
3. Prevention and Education programs
4. Corrections and community corrections programs
5. Drug Treatment programs
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)

The JAG program provides states and local governments with supplemental funding needed to support a range of law enforcement programs based on regional needs. JAG is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions in the United States.