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 2020.
The JAG program is the leading source of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. It provides states, tribes, and local governments with funding necessary to support a range of criminal justice areas. The total allocation for fiscal year 2020 JAG funding was approximately $244.2 million, with $5.5 million to U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, $75.7 million to local governments, and $163.1 million to state governments. The five states with the largest total allocations were California ($27.9 million), Texas ($19.9 million), Florida ($14.5 million), New York ($12.7 million), and Illinois ($9.2 million). A total of 1,362 local governments were eligible for awards, either directly or through a joint award with other governments within their county. Two states had 100 or more local governments eligible to receive award funds either directly or through a shared award: California (197) and Florida (112). JAG awards may be used for law enforcement; prosecution and courts; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; and crime victim and witness programs. Steps in the award calculation process are outlined. 5 tables, 1 figure, and sources of additional information