​Funding to prevent and control crime, improve the criminal justice

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2021) – Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Mary Noble announced that starting today applications are available to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for Federal Fiscal Year 2021 state solicitations. This grant is another step forward in Gov. Beshear's pledge to create a better Kentucky by assisting state and local law enforcement efforts to prevent or reduce crime and violence.

"Kentucky must be aggressive and proactive when it comes to strengthening public safety in our communities," said Gov. Beshear. "It is crucial that our state and local government agencies receive grant funding in order to reduce crime and violence to help achieve that better Kentucky we all want for our families."

The JAG Program provides states and units of local governments with the critical funding necessary to support a wide range of program areas.  The legislatively authorized purpose areas are flexible and designed to enable states to target resources where the need is the greatest.

"This funding provides resources to our law enforcement and public safety agencies to help them achieve a comprehensive and effective approach to drug control and violent crime prevention. I strongly encourage local government agencies across Kentucky to apply for funding through the federal JAG program," said Secretary Noble. "This grant program is the leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions and provides a funding stream that is essential in maintaining public safety and good order."

The federal JAG program provides federal grant funds to the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet based on a formula that takes into account population and crime rates. Funds awarded to a state may be used to hire additional personnel and/or purchase equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice-related projects, including any programs provided by the following types of entities; law enforcement; prosecution and court; prevention and education; corrections and community corrections; drug treatment and enforcement; planning, evaluation, and technology improvement; crime victim and witness (other than compensation); mental health including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.

Additionally, JAG funds may be used to enforce state and local laws that establish offenses similar to offenses established in 21 U.S.C.§ 801 et seq. and/or to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, with emphasis on violent crime and serious offenders, by providing additional personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the more widespread apprehension, prosecution, adjudication, detention, and rehabilitation of persons who violate these laws and to assist the victims of such crimes (other than compensation). 

As the state recipient of these funds, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet conducts a competitive application cycle on an annual basis.

All applications must be submitted online via Intelligrants 10 (IGX), the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet's electronic Grants Management System. New applicants will be required to establish an account and become familiar with the system well in advance of the due date. Applicants should also note that validating a new user account requires 48 to 72 hours.

Applications are due by June 18 at 6 p.m. EST and awards are expected to be announced in September.

Assistance with the application process may be obtained by contacting Grants Management staff at JUSGMB@ky.gov.

For more information on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, click here.

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