Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept $43,820 in Grant Funds from the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for the Merced Police Department to Purchase Portable and Pole-Mounted Cameras for the Real Time Crime Center
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers authorizing to accept grant funding from the US Department of Justice offered to the Merced Police Department in the amount of $43,820 from the 2024 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to purchase portable and pole-mounted cameras for the Real Time Crime Center.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the grant in the amount of $43,820 from JAG; and,
B. Approving the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system, from multijurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individual and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.
The JAG program solicits applications from eligible tribes, and units of local government for local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, as well as research and evaluation activities that will improve or enhance the following areas:
• Law enforcement programs
• Prosecution and court programs
• Prevention and education programs
• Corrections and community corrections programs
• Drug treatment and enforcement programs
• Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
• Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
JAG funded projects may address crime through the provision of services directly to individuals and/or communities and by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.
The Merced Police Department submitted a timely application to receive grant funding for the 2024 JAG grant program. The City of Merced was eligible to request funding up to the amount of $43,820. This amount is established by the DOJ. There is no match requirement on this grant award.
JAG funds were requested to spend $43,820 on the Real Time Information Center. This includes purchasing the following items:
• (1) Large Scale Portable Camera Trailer $27,500
• (1) Small Scale Portable Camera System $13,000
• (4) Standalone Pole Cameras x $830 = $3,320
The grant requires that the application and subsequent award be made available in a public meeting and that the public has an opportunity to comment on the acceptance of the funding before it is accepted by the City. Notification was given to City Council over 30 days ago on the award notification.
The Grant Agreement will be electronically signed in Just Grants.
The City Manager will complete the Certifications and Assurances as the Chief Executive Officer for our local agency.
History and Past Actions
In 2020, MPD set aside mandatory 3% at $977 for the mandatory transition from UCR to IBR as mandated by the FBI; and, $3,425 for a new storage shed at the range; and, $13,455 for new spike strips that are stored in patrol vehicles and used for slowing/stopping vehicles; and, $11,220 to purchase Rifles (AR-15) for patrol vehicles; and, $3,480 to purchase ballistic shields to be used in critical incidents.
In 2021, MPD set aside mandatory 3% at $1,180; and, $6,356 was set aside for upgrading our community engagement vehicle; and, $31,740 was set aside for upgrading the investigation’s interview rooms with cameras and recording equipment.
In 2022, MPD used all grant funds in the amount of $42,866 for an ATV with trailer for the Bomb Unit that serves a three-county region including Yosemite National Park.
In 2023, the MPD used grant funds in the amount of SWAT equipment such as goggles, helmets, robot, and aiming devices, in addition to a new computer for the Real Time Information Center.
Each year, the grant award was presented to City Council for acceptance and subsequently accepted by the City Council.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No match is required; therefore, no additional funding is needed. This grant funding is included the FY2024-25 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of the Grant Agreement