Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

Overview:
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program will allow states and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime and to improve the criminal justice system. JAG replaces the Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) programs with a single funding mechanism that will simplify the administration process for grantees.

The procedure for allocating JAG funds is a formula based on population and crime statistics in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share. Traditionally, under the Byrne Formula and LLEBG Programs, funds were distributed 60/40 between state and local recipients. This distribution will continue under JAG.

JAG Purpose Areas:

• Law enforcement programs.
• Prosecution and court programs.
• Prevention and education programs.
• Corrections and community corrections programs.
• Drug treatment programs.
• Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.

Legislation:
JAG Legislation

Eligibility:
State and local jurisdictions are eligible for JAG funding, as found on the FY 2005 JAG Allocations and Disparate Information page.

Any law enforcement or justice initiative funded under the current Byrne Formula or LLEBG Programs will continue to be eligible for funding under the JAG Program's six purpose areas. JAG funds could be used to pay for personnel, overtime, and equipment. Funds provided for the states could be used for statewide initiatives, technical assistance and training, and support for local and rural jurisdictions.

How JAG Differs From Byrne and LLEBG:

• Awards are distributed up front instead of on a reimbursement basis, giving recipients immediate control over their funds.
• Direct recipients can earn interest on their awards, generating additional funding for future justice projects.
• Projects can be funded beyond a 4-year period, allowing successful initiatives to receive funding to continue and expand their efforts.
• Fewer fiscal and programmatic reports are required, saving state administering agencies and local programs valuable staff time and resources.
• Mandatory set-asides are eliminated, encouraging states and communities to spend justice funds where they are most needed.

How/When To Apply:
The FY 2005 application kits were released February 8, 2005, and applications were due March 31. All applications must be submitted via the Office of Justice Programs Grants Management System (GMS).

Related Information:
FY 2005 JAG Application Kit for States
FY 2005 JAG Application Kit for Locals
FY 2005 JAG Allocations and Disparate Information
FY 2005 JAG Variable Passthrough Information
Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program 2005 (Bureau of Justice Statistics Technical Report) (PDF)
JAG Brochure (PDF)

Contact Information:
Matt Hanson, Special Assistant to the Director
Bureau of Justice Assistance
810 Seventh Street NW.
Washington, DC 20531
202-616-0649
Fax: 202-305-1367
E-mail: Matthew.Hanson@usdoj.gov