The JAG – Local Solicitation program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Programs to provide agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they are most needed.
The grant application requires a 30-day governing body review. In addition to the governing body review, the grant guidelines stipulate that the public be notified of the grant application as well as be provided with an opportunity to comment on the application. Public Notices will be placed in The Free Lance Star.
Spotsylvania County is eligible to receive $30,237. The Sheriff’s Office would like to utilize this funding towards the initial storage costs associated with the body worn camera footage. The Sheriff’s Office plans to implement a body worn camera program in January 2018; however, at this time there is no funding available in the FY18 Adopted Budget for the storage. Information Services tentatively estimates that this funding will allow for approximately one year’s worth of storage; however, as this is a new program and storage costs are heavily dependent upon usage this estimate is subject to change.
The grant program does not require a local match and does not allow for supplanting of local funds. In order to meet the application deadline of September 5, 2017, County Admin provided an exception to policy to allow the application to proceed, with the understanding that the grant will be withdrawn if the Board does not approve this application at their September 12th meeting. Since the 30-day governing body review and public comment period will not have yet been completed by this date, the Bureau of Justice Assistance will add special conditions to the award that will withhold grant funds until documentation is received confirming the requirements have been met.
According to the Notice of Funding, “Individual FY 2017 JAG awards will include two new express conditions that, with respect to the “program or activity” that would be funded by the FY 2017 award, are designed to ensure that States and units of local government that receive funds from the FY 2017 JAG award: (1) permit personnel of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to access any correctional or detention facility in order to meet with an alien (or an individual believed to be an alien) and inquire as to his or her right to be or remain in the United States and (2) provide at least 48 hours’ advance notice to DHS regarding the scheduled release date and time of an alien in the jurisdiction’s custody when DHS requests such notice in order to take custody of the alien pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act.” Additionally, at the time of award acceptance, the County Attorney will need to provide a Certification of Compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373.