WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Department of Justice notified U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today that the Rhode Island Justice Commission will receive a $967,292 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to upgrade the Departments technology.Byrne JAG funds are designed to help state and local law enforcement agencies prevent and control crime based on their specific need and conditions. The federal funds can be used for technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, and state and local initiatives and programs. These funds will help the Rhode Island Justice Commission continue their work to help offenders return to their communities and break the cycle of crime, Reed stated. The Byrne Grant program is critical in helping law enforcement agencies on both the state and local levels keep communities safe. The Rhode Island Justice Commission will continue to use funds to implement Substance Abuse Treatment and Drug Courts for Adults and Juveniles, develop programs that supervise offenders in the community and help prepare them for their return to their communities, create enhancements to the existing Justice Link public safety network, and enhancing Forensic Laboratory Services and Community Defense Advocacy.