Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Merced Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Authorization to Accept $46,169 in Grant Funds from the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program for the Merced Police Department to Purchase Supplies for SWAT and a Computer 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 $46,169 from the 2023 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program to purchase supplies for SWAT and a computer for the Real Time Crime Center.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the grant; and,
B. Approving the use of pooled cash until grant funds are reimbursed; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments; and,
D. Authorizing the Merced Police Department and the City Manager 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 2023-24 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 2023 JAG grant program. The City of Merced was eligible to request funding up to the amount of $46,169. This amount is established by the DOJ. There is no match requirement on this grant award.
JAG funds were requested to spend $46,169 on two projects. This first project includes improving the efficiency and safety of our SWAT Unit by purchasing: remote-controlled robot with camera, night vision goggles, laser aiming devices, ballistic helmets, and mounts for the night vision goggles onto helmets. The second project includes purchasing a computer for the first phase of a Real Time Crime Center that we plan to implement in our Department.
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 by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government
History and Past Actions
In 2010, MPD set aside $12,000 for SWAT equipment; $40,000 for digital voice recorders; $6,400 for high quality digital camera equipment; and, $7,797 for Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program.
In 2011, MPD set aside $59,163 to fund a part-time Animal Control Officer.
In 2012, MPD set aside $43,226 for part-time personnel; and, $5,200 for travel/registration costs associated with trainings.
In 2013, MPD set aside $17,295 for part-time personnel; and, $28,000 for equipment/technology.
In 2014, MPD set aside $30,086 for part-time personnel; and, $20,789 for equipment/technology.
In 2015, MPD set aside $15,208 for part-time personnel; and, $30,840 for equipment/technology.
In 2016, MPD set aside $26,557 for hiring personnel; and, $25,092 to purchase new canines and the related training and equipment.
In 2017, MPD set aside $19,650 for additional cell phones with service and covers; and, $26,890 for crowd control supplies; and, $1,740 for software licenses.
In 2018, MPD set aside $13,000 for new tasers; and, mandatory 3% at $1,626 for the mandatory transition from UCR to IBR as mandated by the FBI; and, $30,000 for licensing costs to integrate body worn cameras with our computer aided dispatch system and our records management system.
In 2019, MPD set aside $20,000 for personal wellness software application; and, mandatory 3% at $1,276 for the mandatory transition from UCR to IBR as mandated by the FBI; and, $10,033 for cell phone service; and, $7,880 for ballistic shields; and, $3,324 for first aid/emergency supplies to be stored in supervisor patrol vehicles.
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.
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 was included the FY2023-24 adopted budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of the Grant Agreement
2. Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive