The justice and community services (JCS) section of the west virginia division of administrative services (DAS), which is the state administrative agency (SAA) for criminal justice-related…

The justice and community services (JCS) section of the west virginia division of administrative services (DAS), which is the state administrative agency (SAA) for criminal justice-related activities in the state, is applying for $1,344,844 under the FY 2023 edward byrne memorial justice assistance grant (JAG) program. There are three primary goals of the project. First, if awarded, JAG funds will be used to provide funding that will implement and enhance the prevention resource officer (pro) program. These officers will adhere to community policing principles, provide education to all areas of juvenile law, act as a deterrent to crime, and be a positive role model and mentor for the youth in that community and school. Second, funds will be used to field collaborative, joint investigative teams consisting of federal, state, and local investigators, which can effectively attack carefully targeted segments of the criminal element, pursuing them to their roots, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries. These task forces will work in conjunction with community-based programs to address their areas crime problems more effectively. Finally, funds will be used to target persistently distressed neighborhoods that have significant crime challenges that generate a significant proportion of crime or type of crime within the community impeding broader neighborhood development goals. Through data supported, evidence-based practices, the program will look at new and innovative ways to address criminal activity in specified areas of the state. Copies of the FY 2023 JAG application will be forwarded to the senate president and the speaker of the house of delegates to allow comment from the west virginia legislature. A notice of public review will also be included on the next state register from the secretary of state to allow for public comment. Members of legislature and the public provide invaluable information regarding public perception of crime and the criminal justice system in west virginia.