REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Approval of FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Funding and Related Budget Amendment
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
In early 2005, the Bureau of Justice Administration (BJA) made the decision to combine the Byrne Formula Grant and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Programs into the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. JAG is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to states and units of local government.
The JAG Program allows states and units of local government, including tribes, to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own state and local needs and conditions. Grant funds can be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice, including for any one or more of the following program 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); and,
• mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs.
The Police Department has had the good fortune to be awarded $97,570 in JAG funds the past six years (FY 12, $14,855; FY 13, $13,373; FY 14, $15,847; FY 15, $14,044; FY 16, $14,806; FY 17, $12,254; FY 19, $12,391). The Department did not apply for a FY 18 grant.
According to the FY 20 Solicitation, the Police Department was eligible to receive up to $12,469. If funded, the Department will have until September 30, 2022, to expend these dollars.
DISCUSSION
The Police Department sought JAG 20 funding for Red Dot Sights (RDS).
An RDS is a common classification for a non-magnifying reflector (or reflex) sight for firearms, and other devices that require aiming, that gives the user a point of aim in the form of an illuminated red dot. A standard design uses a red light-emitting diode (LED) at the focus of collimating optics which generates a dot style illuminated reticle that stays in alignment with the weapon the sight is attached to regardless of eye position (nearly parallax free). RDS can also be used on cameras and telescopes.
RDS provides for:
• Rapid target acquisition (single focal plane sighting system)
• Increased reaction time, including the ability to decrease the time between shots
• Improved accuracy (aligned on target)
• Improves human performance under stress
• Heightened ability to remain focused on whatever may be endangering the situation
• Enhanced officer safety
More and more law enforcement agencies are allowing their officers to train with RDS on their duty handguns and use these optics on their duty weapons. Some agencies are also making RDS mandatory with the Department issued firearm.
The Police Department plans to gradually transition to a position where RDS become standard issue for police recruits. Veteran police officers will be trained with this new resource and it will be optional for seasoned staff to transition to this new resource. The Police Department’s JAG 20 award allows for the purchase of approximately 15-20 RDS (depending on vendor, model and negotiation) to begin the implementation of this program among our recruit and newly hired police officers.
Prior to the purchase and implementation, the Police Department will adjust policies, designate and train RDS instructors and implement a training program to support the transition including making sure the RDS is working properly (e.g. glass is clean, battery working, RDS properly aligned, etc.) before heading out on assignment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance and appropriation of this Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funding will support the Department’s training efforts and pending policy adjustments.
Budget Amendment
FY 2020/21
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|
Current |
Increase/ (Decrease) |
Revised |
|
Police Department Operating Grant Trust Fund |
|
|
|
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
Grant Funding |
$0 |
$12,469 |
$12,469 |
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|
|
|
|
|
Expenditure |
|
|
|
|
FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant |
$0 |
$12,469 |
$12,469 |
|
|
|
|
|
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the Finance Department and the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
1. Accept and approve the FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funding of $12,469;
2. Approve the related FY 2020/21 budget amendment in the Police Operating Grant Trust Fund to recognize grant revenue in the amount of $12,469 and establish an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program 2020 appropriation in the amount of $12,469;
3. Authorize the City Manager to sign grant-related documents;
4. Authorize the Mayor to sign the Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government form; and,
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute purchase order(s), subject to the appropriation of funds, to purchase the equipment described above.
Staff
Reviewed by: Patrick Nikolai, Chief of Police
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Funding Allocation
2. Certifications and Assurances by the Chief Executive of the Applicant Government
3. FY 20 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Award