The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) 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 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)
- Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams
The Minnesota Byrne Justice Assistance Grants strategic planning process identified criminal and juvenile justice intervention for adults and juveniles as a public safety funding priority. Additionally, top concerns include drug and alcohol abuse as well as addressing mental health issues, including cooccurring issues.
Examples of eligible activities includes, but are not limited to:
- Restorative practices - Providing a safe space to talk and come up with solutions (such as restorative circles)
- Diversion options - Alternative options for people other than entering the criminal justice system
- Bail reform - Removing the barrier of having enough money to be released from detention and instead, focusing on an individual's chances of harming others
- Targeted Community Engagement through outreach and situational de-escalation
- Systems change work - Getting public support to address a root cause of a problem in the criminal justice system and educating others on the solution
- Case management - Providing support around basic needs and to help a person meet their goals
- Mental health - Using mental health services as a problem solving solution (such as training school staff and students)
- Pretrial services - Supervision and monitoring of defendants during pretrial period
- Reentry services - Providing support and programming for people returning from a corrections institution
- Screening and Assessment - Adding these tools to a process to correctly identify issues earlier enough to address and give information to help with decision making
- Addressing Criminogenic Needs - Targeting criminal thinking, behavior and identity through cognitive behavioral interventions
- Family Engagement - Focusing on the family as a whole and increased family involvement
- Address substance use disorder or behavioral health care
- Recidivism Reduction
- Reducing Ethnic and Racial Disparities in Justice Systems
2021 grantees can be seen at https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/grants/Documents/JAG%202021%20Program%20Update.pdf
Ineligible Projects Expenses and Other Considerations Include but are not limited to: