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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 SUPPLEMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES FUND (SLESF) 1�Y 0 Agenda Item r ‘ AGENDA REPORT Reviewed: , 09- City Manager tiSIS Qk,lS7'u Finance Direct • I MEETING DATE: MARCH 1, 2016 TO: JEFFREY C. PARKER, CITY MANAGER FROM: CHARLES F. CELANO, JR., CHIEF OF POLICE SUBJECT: 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 2016/2017, we have been notified 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 this year's allocation be used to staff the Crime Analyst position for the tenth consecutive year. Money remaining after funding this position, if any, will be applied to crime analysis software licensing and upgrades. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended 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 Chief of Police to sign all documents related to the SLESF program. 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. SLESF Grant Page 2 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 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 surge in property related crimes in 2015 and the passage of Prop 47, the Crime Analyst plays an important role in our crime reduction strategies. Funding will be in twelve month 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 the Finance Department estimates, the FY 2016/2017 costs to fund the Crime Analyst position will be $107,000.00. If, in fact, funding in excess of this amount is received, expenditure intent would be to devote these funds to the Crime Analyst position and keeping crime analysis software licensing fees current and obtain any upgrades necessary to keep the position state of the art. CHARLES F. CELANO, JR., MARY W. •VOTNY Chief of Police Field Supp. Division Manager