The JAG Program (34 U.S.C. §10151-10158) is a key provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program provides critical funding necessary to support state and local initiatives including: technical assistance, strategic planning, research and evaluation (including forensics), data collection, training, personnel, equipment, forensic laboratories, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice information systems. The Federal JAG Program supports eight Program Purpose Areas (PPAs) designated by federal statute. These include: (1) law enforcement programs; (2) prosecution and court programs, including indigent defense; (3) prevention and education programs; (4) corrections and community corrections programs; (5) drug treatment and enforcement programs; (6) planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs; (7) crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation); and (8) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention team.
Historically, funding for the JAG Program in California had been allocated directly to counties through a non-competitive process. The majority of funds were passed through to local law enforcement agencies to fund multi-jurisdictional task forces related to narcotics suppression.
In 2012, California state law transferred the administration of the JAG Program from the California Emergency Management Agency (now the California Office of Emergency Services) to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). With this transfer, BSCC became the State Administering Agency responsible for oversight of Byrne JAG funding in California.
In 2015, California used JAG funding for 32 local JAG projects throughout the state. These competitively awarded projects reflected the approved state strategy and three (3) priority program purpose areas (PPAs) of (1) Prevention and Education Programs; (2) Law Enforcement Programs; and (3) Prosecution, Courts, Defense, and Indigent Defense. Contra Costa County was one of the successful applicants award JAG funding to support the Youth Justice Initiative, a public and private initiative devoted to helping kids who are involved or at the highest risk of being involved with the juvenile justice system..
Today's action authorizes the County Administrator, or designee, to apply for and accept the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant administered by BSCC. The County's grant application development process has been led by the County Public Defender and is aimed at promoting innovations in indigent defense.
Contra Costa County will not apply for this grant funding opportunity.