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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF)Affil%bh AGENDA REPORT MEETING DATE: TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DECEMBER 3, 2013 JEFFREY C. PARKER, CITY MANAGER Agenda Item Z Reviewed: City Manager Finance Director /A CHARLES F. CELANO, JR., INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF) SUMMARY In 1996, AB 3229 established the Citizen's Option for Public Safety (COPS) grant 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. For FY 2013/2014, we have been notified that the Police Department is estimated to receive $100,000 in SLESF funding. The allocation for SLESF /COPS grant funds for all law enforcement agencies is being coordinated through the Orange County Sheriffs Department. All agencies have been directed to move forward with expenditure authorization while waiting for the final grant amounts to be determined. The Police Department is proposing that this year's allocation be used to staff the Crime Analyst position for an eighth consecutive year. Money remaining after funding this position, if any, will be applied to crime analysis software licensing and upgrades. In addition, there is carry-over money from the last two fiscal years. It is recommended that the money be used to purchase ATACRAIDS software for the Crime Analyst. This bill requires both a public hearing and a special fund established for these monies. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council: 1. Open and close a Public Hearing: 2. Authorize usage of the funds as recommended by the Police Department; 3. Authorize the Interim Chief of Police to sign all documents related to SLESF program. 4. Appropriate from unappropriated reserves of the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (Fund 136) in the amount of $27,400.00 for the acquisition of a five -year contract for ATACRAIDS software for the Crime Analyst. Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF) December 3, 2013 Page No. 2 FISCAL IMPACT: Staff has been contacted by the County Grant Coordinator and advised to expect a distribution equal to last year's expected amount, indicating there will be $100,000.00 in funding. Exact amounts have not been determined by the County at this time. In addition to this year's funding, the Police Department has carry-over funding from the previous years of 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 in the amount of $26,145.62. CORRELATION TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN The proposal supports the implementation of Goal B: Public Safety and Protection of Assets: Ensure Tustin is an attractive, safe and well- maintained community in which people feel pride. BACKGROUND /DISCUSSION Since the inception, SLESF /COPS program funding has been used to fund personnel, provide for anti -crime prevention programs, and to purchase new technology for general law enforcement purposes. It is the intent of the Police Department to continue the funding of the extremely critical position of Crime Analyst. With the recent influx of AB 109 population, the Crime Analyst plays an important part in monitoring this specific group. The position of Crime Analyst has been funded by SLESF for the past seven years. Funding will be distributed in four installment payments. While this program remains unstable due to the state's budget issues, the commitment to $100,000 in grant funding is being funded through Vehicle License Fees. Per Finance Department estimates, the FY 2013/2014 costs to fund the Crime Analyst position will be $98,000.00. If, in fact, funding in excess of this amount is received, expenditure intent would be to devote these funds to keeping crime analysis software licensing fees current, and obtain any upgrades necessary to the keep the position state of the art. CHARS . CELANO, JR. rim Chief of Police bi • ( / MARY M NOVOTNY Field Su port Division Manager