Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation In and Appropriation of the FY2017 Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to States and units of local government. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awards JAG Program funds to eligible units of local government under a local solicitation. Under this program, localities can use funding to provide equipment, supplies, training, and information systems for criminal justice law enforcement programs. BJA recognizes that there are significant pressures on local criminal justice systems and that in these challenging times, shared priorities and leveraged resources can make a significant impact. Emphasis areas for this year's grant program include addressing challenges such as reducing gun violence and officer safety and wellness. Funding amounts are awarded to localities based upon their share of violent crime and population.
Discussion:
The Hampton Police Division's Threat Mitigation and Response Capability Project will utilize this federal funding to address several areas of equipment upgrades and additions that could not otherwise be funded through the operating budget. With the grant funds, the Police Division will procure optics sights and fore-end system upgrades to current division-issued weapons and procure additional surveillance cameras to expand the Real Time Information Center's capabilities. The Police Division's current optics system is close to 20 years old and due to age, units are no longer serviceable for duty use. Replacement of these systems along with new additions such as handguards, LED lights, and anti-slip panels will improve proficiencies of the operators and increase safety to law enforcement personnel and the public. These new...
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