Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) Program began with the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, passed by Congress to strengthen and improve the operation of law enforcement functions in states and is designed to support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a broad range of initiatives, defined within eight general program areas:
- Law enforcement programs
- Prosecution and courts programs, including indigent defense
- Prevention and education programs
- Corrections and community corrections programs
- Drug treatment and enforcement programs
- Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
- Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
- Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams
The majority of Montana’s JAG funds have funded local multi-jurisdictional drug task forces statewide, within the law enforcement program area. Limited JAG funding has also been awarded to other program focus areas within an approved strategic plan. Review Montana’s statewide JAG strategic plan .