The Byrne grant programs, administered through the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), provide leadership and guidance on crime and violence prevention and control. Specifically, the Byrne grants emphasize controlling violent and drug-related crime by serious offenders, and encourages multijurisdictional and multistate efforts to support national drug-control priorities.

Both discretionary and formula funds are available. Discretionary funds are awarded directly to public and private agencies and private nonprofit organizations. Formula funds are awarded to states, which then make awards to state and local units of government.

The Byrne Discretionary Grant Program focuses on crime and violence prevention and control activities. Among these are undertaking educational and training programs for criminal-justice personnel; providing technical assistance to state and local units of government; promoting projects that are national or multijurisdictional in scope; and demonstrating programs that are likely to be successful in more than one jurisdiction.

The focus for 2000 grantmaking is on programs that implement comprehensive approaches to crime; stimulating partnerships among public agencies, private organizations and communities; and addressing needs currently not being met in the delivery of criminal-justice services.

The Byrne Formula Grant Program awards funding to improve the functioning of the criminal-justice system. Special emphasis is given to violent crime and serious offenders. The grants can be used to provide personnel, equipment, training, or technical assistance. The funding also can provide assistance to victims of offenders.

For additional information and application instructions regarding the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Program, contact the Bureau of Justice Assistance, 810 Seventh St. N.W., Washington, DC 20531; 202-307-0635. Information also is available online at the Bureau of Justice Assistance web site.