HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5j - FY21-22 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Application Item 5j
Department: Police
Cost Center: 8002
For Agenda of: 8/24/2021
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Rick Scott, Police Chief
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: FY 2021-22 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE
GRANT APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to apply for a FY 2021-22 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in
the amount of $14,077; and
2. If the grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager or designee to execute necessary
grant documents and direct the appropriation of monies into the accounts required to
administer the grant.
DISCUSSION
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary
provider of federal criminal justice funding to the State and local jurisdictions. JAG funds
may be used to fund technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies,
contractual support, and criminal justice information systems.
The JAG Program is a non-competitive formula grant, and the funding allocation is based
on the population and crime rate of the local jurisdiction. The amount available to the City of
San Luis Obispo for 2021 is $14,077. The department has applied for and received this
funding for well over ten years. JAG Program funds must be used to supplement existing
local funds for program activities and cannot replace or supplant funds that have been
appropriated for the same purpose. The grant application deadline was August 9, 2021;
however, if necessary, staff can withdraw the request.
Proposed Use of Grant Funds
The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responds to all SWAT callouts and team members have
specialized communication and tactical skills used during emergency situations. CNT
utilizes tools during crisis negotiations; as an example, a specialized piece of equipment
used regularly is a “throw phone”. A throw phone enables negotiators to engage in
communication with someone in crisis while still maintaining a safe distance. The current
throw phone was purchased 15 years ago and is extremely cumbersome and outdated.
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The department is requesting grant funding to replace the current throw phone. Updated
technology now offers wireless and rugged options for impact resistance and ease of use.
Utilizing a wireless throw phone will be a significant advantage to the team, the current
phone limits distance to 1,500 feet due to cables. Swift set up is also another advantage,
as it currently takes about 30 minutes to set up the system whereas the new models can be
set up immediately. This saves valuable time for negotiators. Other technology
advancements also include enhanced video/audio capabilities and location data.
Policy Context
The recommended actions are consistent with the City of San Luis Obispo’s Financial
Management Manual, Section 740 - Grant Management Policy. The policy states that
Council will approve all grant applications in excess of $5,000 and delegates receipt and
contract execution to the City Manager.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the August 24, 2021, City Council meeting and will follow all
required postings and notifications. The public may have an opportunity to comment on this
item at or before the meeting.
CONCURRENCE
The Director of Finance concurs with staff’s recommendations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the recommended action in this
report because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines Section
15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: No Budget Year: 2021-22
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $ $ $ $
State
Federal –
JAG Award
$14,077
Total $14,077 $ $ $
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City matching funds are not required for this grant. The City may draw down any or all JAG
funds after acceptance of the award. To do so, an interest -bearing trust fund must be
established in order to maintain the funds separate from the General Fund.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Modify the staff recommendation. Council may direct staff to apply for the JAG funds
for a different purpose, as long as the use is consistent with the purpose areas described
in this report.
2. Do not submit a grant application. Council may direct staff to not submit a grant
application. The alternative is not recommended. The JAG Program is non-competitive,
and the funds have already been allocated to the City upon application, as long as the
use is consistent with the purpose areas described in this report.
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