NCJA's Proposal to Improve the Effectiveness of JAG

Drafted in response to NCJA members experiences administering the JAG program, we have developed a proposal to reform the structure of the Byrne-JAG Grant Program. The plan suggests a series of administrative and managerial changes intended to enhance the functioning and accountability of the JAG program. NCJA's proposal would reinstate a statewide, strategic planning process that is evidence-based and developed using a community engagement model. Additionally, under the NCJA plan, states would assist in managing and overseeing grants to smaller, rural communities. Grants up to $100,000 would still be awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) but sent to the states as directed pass-through grants. States could not lay claim to the local funds, but would manage the grants, and help coordinate local spending with the statewide plan.

For more information about the plan read: NCJA's Proposal to Improve the Effectiveness of JAG
(View a one page summary of the proposal here.)

NCJA has created a number of charts that detail the distribution of direct grants to local jurisductions in FY06. The charts show BJA direct grants to localities sorted by state and by size. In addition, two graphs illustrate the sheer volume of small grants administered directly by BJA. View the charts

NCJA members and staff are working in coalition with other stakeholders to advance these ideas on Capitol Hill.  We will continue to keep you up to date about the progress of this plan.