Report Prepared by: Lance Eber, Crime Analyst, Police
Title
SUBJECT: 2016 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
REPORT IN BRIEF
Consider accepting a grant award in the amount of $51,649 to fund part-time personnel, equipment, and travel/training.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting the grant and increasing the revenue budget in account 050-1025-321.17-00 by $51,649, and appropriating the same to Fund 050; and,
B. Approving the use of pooled cash until reimbursement is received from the grant; and,
C. Authorizing the Police Department and the City Manager to execute the 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 2016-17 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, form 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.
This grant award being made to the MPD would retroactively begin on October 1, 2015 and provides funding through September 30, 2019. The City of Merced was eligible to request funding up to the amount of $51,649. This amount is established by the DOJ. There is no match requirement on this grant award.
The MPD will use JAG funds to hire part time personnel to assist in the areas of records and investigations. $22,029 was submitted in the application and approved.
Due to the death of a police dog, the MPD will use JAG funds to purchase a new dog and the associated training for the dog and its handler. $19,320 was submitted in the application and approved for travel/training and $10,300 for the purchase of a new dog and the equipment for the new dog.
The grant requires that the application and subsequent award be made public and an opportunity provided to the citizens to comment before it is accepted by the applicant.
History and Past Actions:
In 2005, MPD set aside $10,000 for graffiti abatement; $10,000 for neighborhood watch; $13,859 for additional hand held radios; and, $14,000 for additional tasers.
In 2006, MPD set aside $10,000 for graffiti abatement; $10,000 for neighborhood watch; and $13,354 for additional hand held radios.
In 2007, MPD set aside $10,000 for graffiti abatement; $10,000 for neighborhood watch; and, $44,207 for equipment such as tasers, cameras, and SWAT equipment).
In 2008, MPD set aside $10,000 for graffiti abatement; $10,000 for neighborhood watch; and, $876 for tasers.
In 2009, MPD set aside $48,860 for part time employees; $10,000 for neighborhood watch; and, $10,000 for graffiti abatement.
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.
Each year, the grant award was presented to City Council for acceptance and subsequently accepted by the City Council.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Copy of the Grant Agreement