The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG program was created in 2005 by the merger of the Byrne Grant Program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program providing states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas within the criminal justice system.
JAG purpose areas include:
In Georgia, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (the Council) is designated as the State Administering Agency for criminal justice and victims' assistance programs.
While JAG program funding has been used to support a range of criminal justice system initiatives in Georgia, 2024 JAG funds will be used to support existing multi-jurisdictional drug task force (MJDTF) agencies and K-9 units that currently have a 2023 JAG award through the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
Awarded 2018 projects may be viewed at: https://cjcc.georgia.gov/sites/cjcc.georgia.gov/files/Byrne%202018.docx
Allocations to existing programs in 2022 and 2023:
JAG funds cannot be used directly or indirectly for security enhancements or equipment to nongovernmental entities not engaged in criminal justice or public safety. Indirect costs, not limited to expenses such as accounting, payroll, data processing, purchasing, personnel, and building use, may not be requested through this grant program. In addition, the following items are prohibited:
Eligible applicants are state and local governments within Georgia who received a 2023 Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force or K-9 Unit award.
Applications were to be submitted by November 8, 2024. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Allocations to existing programs in 2024 will be consistent with the 2023 funding levels:
Cost sharing/matching is not required. Project periods will extend up to 12-months, starting January 1, 2024.