HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 09-04-01AGENDA REPORT
NO. 1
09-04-01
MEETING DATE' SEPTEMBER 4, 2001 660-05
TO'
WILLIAM A. HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
FROM:
POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT:
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
SUMMARY'
The Omnibus Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1999 (Public Law 105-119) authorizes
the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to make funds available to local
government under the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Programs for
reducing crime and improving public safety. The Police Department proposes to use the
2000-2001 LLEGB funds to purchase a multi-use vehicle for crime prevention/volunteer
services and code enforcement, technology upgrades, computer enhancement
programs and software applications, and specialized hardware for field/patrol units
utilizing Less Than Lethal equipment.
RECOMMENDATION'
1. Open and close a Public Hearing.
,
Authorize usage of the funds as recommended by the Police Department.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact in the amount of $7,882.00. The grant award in the amount of $70,934.00
does require a matching amount of $7,882.00.
BACKGROUND'
This year the police department is looking to enhance several different areas of service.
The Community Resources Unit has successfully completed their first year with the
Volunteer Program and will be utilizing them in additional programs. These will include
Neighborhood Watch, Operation Identification, Vacation Checks, "Snipe Sign" retrieval
for Code Enforcement, Shopping Cart and Graffiti reporting, among other duties. A
multi-use vehicle will be required to accomplish the assigned tasks.
Mr. William A. Huston, City Manager
Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program
September 4, 2001
Page 2
Technology upgrades and enhancements continue to be a priority as we are able to
interface with other agencies and resources. Some of the monies authorized for use in
fiscal year 2000/2001 under this same grant program were used start the upgrade
process. We are requesting to continue the upgrading of computer, imaging and
storage/retrieval systems department wide.
Litigation and use of force issues appear daily from local and national media sources.
Our department has always taken a pro-active position of providing our officers with
Less Than Lethal options and training to minimize the risks to them, the citizens and the
potential claims that arise when force must be utilized. The sudden surge in reported
school violence has also caused us to evaluate the options available in responding to a
critical incident. Our request in this area is to provide adequate and secure hardware for
this equipment.
On August 15, 2001 a meeting of the Advisory Board as required by the grant was held.
The Advisory Board supported the purpose as outlined by the Police Department for
expenditure of the funds.
STEVE FOSTER
Chief of Police
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