The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Criminal Justice Grant Program allows states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control drug trafficking, drug related crime, and violent crime. Based on their own local needs and conditions, agencies are provided with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they are needed most. JAG funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas:
- Law enforcement programs.
- Prosecution programs.
- Crime prevention programs.
- Corrections and community corrections programs.
- Reentry programs.
- Assessment and evaluation programs.
In Texas, the Office of the Governor will accept applications to provide personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice purposes.
Criminal Justice Purposes” is defined as activities pertaining to crime prevention, control, or reduction, or the enforcement of the criminal law, including, but not limited to, police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, including juveniles, activities of courts having criminal jurisdiction, and related agencies (including but not limited to prosecutorial and defender services, juvenile delinquency agencies and pretrial service or release agencies), activities of corrections, probation, or parole authorities and related agencies assisting in the rehabilitation, supervision, and care of criminal offenders, and programs relating to the prevention, control, or reduction of narcotic addiction and juvenile delinquency.
JAG funds cannot be used directly or indirectly for security enhancements or equipment for nongovernmental entities not engaged in criminal justice or public safety. Additionally, JAG funds may not be used directly or indirectly to pay for any of the following items: