Hays-based Northwest Kansas Community Corrections is among the grant recipients of the  2012 Federal Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program announced Monday by Governor Sam Brownback.  JAG funding helps strengthen partnerships for safe communities and enhances the state’s capacity to prevent, solve and control crime.  Local and statewide criminal justice agencies will receive $3,680,658 for their criminal justice projects.

The Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (KCJCC) oversees the criminal justice federal funding made available to Kansas through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance. The KCJCC includes the Governor, Attorney General, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of Corrections, Superintendent of the Kansas Highway Patrol, Commissioner of the Juvenile Justice Authority and Director of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

“This critical funding helps our efforts in responding to crime and is essential in providing for the state’s security and safety.” Attorney General Derek Schmidt and KCJCC Chair said.

Among the 2012 JAG grant recipients is:

Ellis County, Northwest Kansas Community Corrections: $91,673

Northwest Kansas Community Corrections will utilize grant funds for surveillance officers, drug testing and drug and alcohol evaluations and treatment.