HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 SLESF FUNDING 08-05-08AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: AUGUST 5, 2008
TO: WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: SCOTT M. JORDAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
SUBJECT: SUPPLMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF)
SUMMARY
In 1996, AB 3229 established the Citizen's Option for Public Safety (COPS) granl
program. Proceeds from the program can only be used for front line law enforcement
services that may include the purchase of new equipment, hiring of additional personnel
and increasing the opportunity for training of safety personnel. This year, we have been
notified that the Police Department is to receive no less than $121,000 and no more
than $135,000 in SLESF funding. The allocation for SLESF/COPS grant funds for all
law enforcement agencies is being coordinated through the Orange County Sheriff's
Department. All agencies have been directed to move forward with expenditure
authorization while waiting for the state budget to be passed and final grant amounts ~to
be determined.
We are proposing that this year's allocation be used to staff our Crime Analyst position
for a third consecutive year. We propose any funds remaining after funding this position
be devoted to the purchase of portable Motorola emergency radios. This bill requires
both a public hearing and a special fund established for these monies.
RECOMMENDATION
1. Open and close a Public Hearing
2. Authorize usage of the funds as recommended by the Police Department
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be between $121,000 and $135,000 in Grant Fund expenditures. The entire
account balance will be expended.
BACKGROUND
Since the inception, SLESF/COPS grant program funding has been used to partially
fund personnel, provide for anti-crime prevention programs, and to purchase new
technology for general law enforcement purposes.
SLESF 2008-2009
August 5, 2008
Page 2 of 2
As we continue to employ the concepts of Community Governance toward a more
efficient and effective way of utilizing police resources, the five-year strategic plan
identified the position of Crime Analyst to be an important faction of the Area Command
System. Under this program, incidents are analyzed for commonality of underlying
causation, alternatives are developed and solutions identified. The end result is a more
permanent, substantive resolution to problems as opposed to merely reacting to
symptoms or responding to calls for service.
Crime Analyst Position:
Last year's SLESF funded our Crime Analyst position for the second consecutive year.
As we had hoped, the tracking, case linkage, crime mapping, ability to issue crime
bulletins, etc., has allowed for a dramatically enhanced ability to solve crimes and
identify suspects than we have experienced prior to staffing this position. In our first two
years we obtained the rudimentary analysis software necessary for basic data base
searches and basic profiling. We were extremely fortunate to employ an individual who
has shown outstanding ability and initiative toward successful identification of persons
who commit crime in our city and areas needing increased enforcement toward public
safety. The Crime Analyst is relied on for daily input by Area Commanders and by the
Investigations Unit to develop leads on crimes. The development of this position has
surpassed our initial expectations.
Portable Motorola Emergency Radios:
The portable radio allows officers a communications link between each other and the
Communications Officers. As field personnel numbers have grown, the need for
additional radios has also increased. Projections indicate the monies remaining after
the Crime Analyst is funded would allow for the purchase of approximately seven
portable radios. This number could change depending on the final funding amounts.
The Police Department respectfully requests the City Council approve the expenditure
of the stated grant funds on the items delineated above.
SCOTT M. JORDAN
Chief of Police
CHRISTINE SCHWARTZ
Support Services Division Manager
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City Council, of the City of Tustin, will conduct a
public hearing on August 5, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 300
Centennial Way, Tustin, California to consider the following:
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S USE OF CITIZEN'S OPTION FOR
PUBLIC SAFETY (COPS) SUPPLEMENTAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF) STATE GRANT
MONIES TO FUND THE POSITION OF CRIME ANALYST AND
PURCHASE PORTABLE EMERGENCY RADIOS.
If you challenge the subject items in court, you may be limited to raising only
those issues you or someone else raised at a public hearing described in the
notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Tustin at, or prior to,
the Public Hearing.
If you require special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the
City Clerk at (714) 573-3025.
Information relative to this item is on file with the Tustin Police Department and is
available for public inspection at City Hall. Anyone interested in the information
above may call the Police Department at (714) 573-3046.
Pamela Stoker
City Clerk
Publish: Tustin News
Date: July 24, 2008