HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6e. Authorize the Police Department to apply for FY24 Bureau of Justice Assistance Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Item 6e
Department: Police
Cost Center: 8001
For Agenda of: 11/12/2024
Placement: Consent
Estimated Time: N/A
FROM: Rick Scott, Police Chief
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Business Analyst
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO APPLY FOR FY 2024-25
BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL
GRANT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit a grant application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the
FY 2024-25 Edward Byrne Memorial Grant, amounting to $14,882; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute grant related documents and
authorize the Finance Director to make the necessary budget adjustments upon the
award of the grant.
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 must approve all grant applications in excess of $5,000 and delegate receipt and
contract execution to the City Manager.
DISCUSSION
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the leading federal
source of criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. Administered by the Bureau
of Justice Assistance, the JAG Program provides states, territories, tribes, and local
governments with funding necessary to support a range of program areas.
The JAG Program is a non-competitive formula grant, and the funding allocation is based
on the population and crime rate of a local jurisdiction. JAG funds awarded to a unit of local
government may be used to hire additional personnel, purchase equipment, supplies,
contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal
justice or civil proceedings.
The amount allocated to the City of San Luis Obispo for FY 2024-25 is $14,882. The City
has been a recipient of JAG funds for well over ten years.
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Item 6e
The grant solicitation was released in September and the application deadline was a two-
step process with deadlines on October 16th and October 22nd, 2024. If necessary, staff can
withdraw the application or decline the award if the request is denied by Council.
Last year, JAG funds were used to purchase rifle-rated vests and a ceremonial uniform for
the Department’s Honor Guard team. This year, the department intends to use grant funds
to replace an aging firearm for the Specialized Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team. SWAT
responds to high-risk crisis situations that require an advanced level of specialized tactical
expertise. Grant funds will also be used to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator
(AED), and a medical trauma kit; these items will be stored in the sergeant’s vehicle and be
readily accessible for patrol use.
Public Engagement
This item is on the agenda for the November 12, 2024, 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: 2024-25
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
Federal Grant –
Edward Byrne
Memorial JAG
14,882
Total $14,882 $ $ $
City matching funds are not required for this grant.
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Item 6e
ALTERNATIVES
Decline funding. This alternative is not recommended. This grant provides funding to local
law enforcement agencies for specialized equipment purchases. With limited Department
funds, it is advantageous to utilize grants to enhance safety in the community.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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