HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-16-2015 C6 Bureau of Justice AssistanceCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
FROM: Chris Staley, Acting Chief of Police
Prepared By: Melissa Ellsworth, Senior Administrative Analyst
SUBJECT: 2015 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT
PROGRAM APPLICATION
RECOMMENDATION
1. Authorize staff to submit an application for a 2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant in the amount of $10,200 to purchase replacement furniture for the Police
Department’s Training Room.
2. If the grant is awarded, authorize the City Manager to execute necessary grant documents
and direct the appropriation of monies into the accounts required to administer the grant.
DISCUSSION
Grant Program Information
The U.S. Department of Justice 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 for any of the
following purpose areas:
1. Law enforcement programs
2. Prosecution and court programs
3. Prevention and education programs
4. Corrections and community corrections programs
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
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 2015 is $10,200. 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. Applications for this grant program are due on June 26, 2015.
Proposed Use of Grant Funds
The Police Department’s Training Room is utilized for various activities and is an essential
component of the Police building. Some uses of the room include; trainings for sworn and
civilian staff, equipment demonstrations, incident briefings, evidence sorting/cataloguing, press
conferences, media interviews, promotional testing, interviews, and agency meetings.
The furniture currently located in the training room was purchased over ten years ago. The
furniture is used on a daily basis multiple times a day. Often times, the tables are re-configured
June 16, 2015
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Application for FY 2015 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
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based on what is occurring in the room; unfortunately with several broken tables this becomes
difficult. The constant use has caused wear and tear on the furniture, and the department does
not have the funds available in the Police operating budget to absorb the cost; therefore, staff is
recommending grant funds be used to purchase replacement tables and chairs.
CONCURRENCES
The Director of the Finance and Information Technology Department concurs with the staff
recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT
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, a 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 JAG funds for a
different purpose, as long as the use is consistent with the purpose 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 our City upon application, as long as the use is
consistent with the purpose areas described in this report.
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2015\2015-06-16\BJA JAG 2015 Grant (Staley-Ellsworth)\CAR 2015 JAG Application_Local Solicit.docx
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