Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) and Jamestown Mayor Sam Teresi announced that to the City of Jamestown has been awarded federal grant in the amount of $20,867 from the Department of Justice’s Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) which allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions.

           “Mayor Teresi is to be commended for his tireless efforts pursuing whatever state and federal funds are available for police equipment to save money for Jamestown taxpayers,” said Congressman Higgins. 

             The City of Jamestown will use its Fiscal Year 2007 JAG award to purchase tasers for all on duty Jamestown Police patrol officers. 

             “This JAG money will be used to fund an important technology that is vital to the way our officers do business.  Tasers are a safe alternative to using handguns in certain situations and they have become a valuable tool for law enforcement here in Jamestown.  I want to personally thank Congressman Higgins for helping to secure this funding for our officers,” Mayor Teresi stated.           

            Across the country, the JAG program funds are used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following purpose areas: 1) law enforcement programs; 2) prosecution and court programs; 3) prevention and education programs; 4) corrections and community corrections programs; 5) drug treatment programs; and 6) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.