Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2021 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate the Fiscal Year 2018 Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance to the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and Subsequently Sub-Awarded to the Police Division
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police ("VACP") has awarded the Police Division pass-through funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance ("BJA") in the total project amount of $75,000. The BJA awarded the Project Safe Neighborhoods ("PSN") funding to help create and foster safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime including, but not limited to, addressing criminal gangs and the felonious possession and use of firearms. The program's effectiveness depends upon the ongoing coordination, cooperation and partnerships of local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies, along with the communities they serve, engaging in a unified approach led by the U. S. Attorney in all 94 districts. Acting decisively in a coordinated manner at all levels (federal, state, local and tribal) will help reverse a rise in violent crime and keep American citizens safe. PSN provides the critical funding, resources and training for law enforcement, prosecutors and their PSN teams to combat violent crime and make their communities safer through a comprehensive approach to public safety that marries targeted law enforcement efforts with community engagement, prevention and reentry efforts. The Police Division is seeking funding for equipment and training expenses in order to support the goals and objectives of Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Discussion:
The Police Division’s Violent Crime & Gang Unit ("VCGU") is a vital unit within the Division in targeting, identifying and arresting repeat violent crime, street gangs and gun offenders. Currently, the VCGU serves in a variety of capacities to include, but not limited to, identifying criminal street gangs, members and associates within Hampton. Additionally, the VCGU performs targeted surveillance and apprehensions, oftentimes assisting the Crimes Against Persons Unit and frequently works with local, state and federal partners. The VCGU deters crime by proactively investigating and quickly apprehending offenders. Through a precise and detailed investigation, most of these offenders accept plea agreements and/or are found guilty when tried in a court of law. Conducting proactive enforcement in targeted areas discourages those criminal elements and organizations from committing further crime in those areas. In order to achieve the mission objectives, the VCGU is in need of technological support. Many of VCGU’s missions hinge on the ability to work in the field and having the appropriate technology is vital to the mission(s). Furthermore, with PSN funding, the Police Division seeks to offer a variety of classes to further investigative knowledge and understanding to officers in both Hampton and Newport News. Investigators in these departments often work closely together to combat violent criminal activity that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. Trainers will be brought to the Police Academy in order to maximize the use of grant funding.
This grant was initially applied for and awarded in August of 2020. However, with many restrictions placed on work conditions in the Commonwealth, the award letter was only recently received. The period of performance for this grant is June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.
Impact:
This grant award will support the Violent Crime & Gang Unit's investigation and reduction of violent crime in the City, helping to ensure the safety of Hampton's citizens and businesses. The grant award is $75,000 with no local cash or in-kind match required.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Hampton Police Division has been awarded the FY18 Project Safe Neighborhoods ("PSN") Grant by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police ("VACP") in the amount of $75,000 in pass-through funding;
WHEREAS, the PSN grant sub-award requires no local cash or in-kind match;
WHEREAS, the PSN grant sub-award, which totals $75,000, will be used by the Police Division to fund equipment and training for Investigators; and
WHEREAS, the grant sub-award is for the period of June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2021 Council Approved Budget to accept and appropriate the FY18 Project Safe Neighborhoods grant in the amount of $75,000, and any supplemental funding, as sub-awarded by the Virginia Association of Chief's of Police to the Grant Fund in accordance with the grant agreement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award.