Holbrook Signs On To Share Criminal Analyst/Investigator

By Tammy Gray-Searles
   A $226,990 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) has been awarded to fund a criminal analyst and investigator position that will serve all of Navajo County.
   The Holbrook City Council approved an agreement with Navajo County for the position during a special meeting held May 14. Holbrook’s share of the grant is $55,914, but the city has agreed to forward that amount on to Navajo County to help fund the position. Other cities and towns throughout the county are being asked to do the same.
   Navajo County’s share of the grant is $30,919, Snowflake is eligible to receive $35,178, Winslow, $44,991, and Show Low, $59,988. The agreement notes that, “each party recognizes that the funds in question will be provided for a single project; believes that the proposed project will provide a direct local benefit to the party and its citizens; and agrees that providing funding for a single project is in the best interest of the party and its citizens.”
   The county has agreed to use the grant money only for the employment and activities of the criminal analyst/investigator. The employee will be a Navajo County employee and will receive Navajo County benefits.
   Although the criminal analyst/investigator will work in the Navajo County Attorney’s Office under the direction of Navajo County officials, police departments within each town will have access to the investigator as needed. A memo to the city council noted, “The Holbrook Police Department has already received $10,000 as a result of this program (JAG), and will receive an additional $11,000 in the future. Furthermore, the police department will have access and use of the criminal analyst/investigator.”
   The city has agreed to forward its share of the JAG funds to Navajo County to pay for the position, but will incur no additional or out-of-pocket expenses as a result of the agreement.
   Council members unanimously approved the agreement.