Program Description
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. LLEBG is a set-aside under the State’s federal award. The LLEBG funds are directed toward improving the criminal justice services as it relates to the activities to crime prevention, control, or reduction or the enforcement of the criminal law, including but not limited to, police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals.
Statutory Authority
The JAG Program statute is Subpart I of Part E of Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. Title I of Public Law No. 90-351 (generally codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10158), including subpart 1 of part E (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151 – 10158); see also 28 U.S.C. 530C(a).
Eligible Entities
LLEBG funds are made available to the units of local government within the state of Arkansas (city and county) that are ineligible to apply for direct federal JAG funds due to their small size. ((These small size units of local government are referred to as “less-than-$10,000 jurisdictions.”) The purpose of the funds are to support their local law enforcement agencies within their jurisdiction.
Eligibility Determination
For all cities and counties that report Part 1 violent crimes to the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) using the National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), a three-year average is developed. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) uses this data to determine their ineligible listing. The cities and counties that do not receive a direct JAG federal award are eligible for the state’s LLEBG based on their average of reported violent crimes.
Cities and counties that are determined eligible for these grants are notified by mail regarding the Availability of Funding and the Request For Application process.
