This FACT SHEET of the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) presents an overview of the features and grantee requirements for the BJA-administered Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG).
Named after Edward “Eddie” Byrne, an officer in the New York City Police Department who was murdered while protecting a witness in a drug case, the JAG Program is the leading federal source of criminal justice funding for states, territories, tribes, and local governments, providing critical funding to support a range of program areas, including law enforcement; prosecution and courts; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness initiatives. It also provides funding for mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs such as behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams. The JAG Program is authorized by federal Title 1 of Public Law 90-351. Since fiscal year (FY) 2005, BJA has funded over 22,000 direct JAG awards, totaling just over $7 billion. For each state and territory, BJA calculates a minimum base allocation which, based on the congressionally mandated JAG formula, can be enhanced by 1) the state’s share of the country’s Part 1 violent crime statistics as reported by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting UCR) Program. Once the state funding is calculated , 60 percent of the allocation is awarded to the state and 40 percent to eligible units of local government. Information is also provided on eligibility and program guidance; how and when to apply; award length; statewide strategic plans; reductions/penalties; reporting requirements; and other compliance requirements.