Criminal justice technology has dramatically improved the ability of police, prosecutors, courts, and corrections to solve crimes, prosecute criminals, and manage criminal sanctions. Increased demands on resources have created shortfalls for agencies to obtain, upgrade, and/or maintain the technology needed for effective, efficient, and equitable improvement. Failure to implement the use of technology has decreased community and criminal justice security and added to increased costs for criminal justice.
Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:
- Digital mapping/global positioning,
- Interoperability,
- Cyber-crime,
- Identity theft,
- Predictive analysis,
- Collection and preservation of evidence,
- Live scan portable fingerprint scanners,
- Application and program integration to assist with records management,
- Reporting systems,
- Use of video,
- Safety enhancements,
- Portable alarms,
- Accident and crime scene reconstruction technology,
- Electronic ticket and crash reporting system, and
- Computer aided dispatch.
The overall goal of any purchase listed above should be to increase safety, productivity, communication, and efficiency for the criminal justice system and the service community. Applicants should develop a plan for tech purchases based on time studies, need, cost comparisons, cost savings, increased reliability, and longevity.
Unallowable expenses include travel; expenses incurred prior to the date of the contract; Construction costs and/or renovation (including remodeling); Expert witness fees; Fines and penalties; Food, refreshments, and snacks; Indirect costs rates or indirect administrative expenses (only direct costs permitted); Informant fees, rewards, or buy money; K9 dogs and horses; Legal fees; Livescan devices for applicant prints, including any related supplies; Management or administrative training, conferences; Management studies or research and development; Military type equipment such as armored vehicles, explosive devices, and other items typically associated with the military arsenal; Personnel, including law enforcement officers, not connected to the project for which you are applying; Purchase of land; Purchase of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft; Service contracts and training beyond the expiration of the grant award; or Weapons, including tasers.