The Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Board derives its existence and authority from Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3711 et seq.); the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-690) and from the Governor's Executive Order (B 001 05), dated January 10, 2005.

The JAG Board members are appointed by the governor and charged with the responsibility to:

1. Advise the Division of Criminal Justice on issues related to federal block grant monies designated to improve the criminal justice system and reduce drug abuse and violent crimes;
2. Review the State plan for the JAG Program funds; and
3. Review applications from state and local agencies for funding from the federal JAG Program to the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice.