After providing an overview of the features of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program, this report presents data on the distribution of JAG program awards for fiscal year 2017.
The JAG program is the leading source of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, providing states, tribes, and local governments with funding needed to support a range of criminal justice procedures and programs. In fiscal year (FY) 2017, JAG allocated a total of approximately $265.7 million to U.S. criminal justice systems, providing $6.4 million to U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, $83.1 million to local governments, and $176.2 million to state governments. The five states with the largest total allocations were California ($29.5 million), Texas ($21.0 million), Florida ($16.7 million), New York ($14.9 million), and Illinois ($9.9 million). The five local governments receiving the largest awards were New York City ($4.1 million), Chicago ($2.0 million), Houston ($1.7 million), Philadelphia ($1.6 million), and Los Angeles ($1.6 million). Two states had 100 or more local governments eligible to receive JAG award funds, either directly or through a shared award, California (204) and Florida (114). JAG awards may be used for law enforcement; prosecution and courts; crime prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; and crime victims and witness programs. Steps in the award calculation process are described. 4 tables, 1 figure, and sources of additional information