Title
Resolution to Amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Council Approved Budget to Accept and Appropriate the 2025 Witness Protection Grant awarded by the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The purpose of the Hampton Witness Protection Program (HWPP) is to support witnesses and their families who may be in danger because of their cooperation with the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes in the city of Hampton.
The Hampton Witness Protection Program (HWPP), a component of the Hampton Commonwealth's Attorney's Special Programs, is dedicated to adopting victim-centric approaches to combat crime. Its primary focus lies in supporting individuals who have been exposed to criminal activities, assisting them in navigating safety strategies and overcoming the trauma associated with their experiences.
The Hampton Witness Protection Program (HWPP) will be dedicated to addressing the specific needs of witnesses, offering protection, and facilitating referrals for necessary services. The program will incorporate a comprehensive risk assessment process to identify potential threats to witness safety and devise appropriate protective measures. During the assessment, the team will evaluate the credibility of the threat, its immediacy, and the level of danger posed by its source. Should the case warrant protective measures, the team will collaboratively develop a tailored safety plan for each protected witness.
Discussion: This grant award will help support witnesses of crime, operating in collaboration with the Hampton Police Department and Victim Services, the Hampton Witness Protection Program will establish procedures aimed at safeguarding and aiding individuals whose cooperation with the criminal justice system places them in harm's way. Specifically, it will address relocation, housing, food, travel, and other relevant expenses for a limited duration, recognizing instances where the safety of the witness is compromised due to their involvement in legal proceedings. The team will be comprised of Legal Investigators, Victim Services personnel, and Hampton Police Department Officers assigned to the pertinent cases. With a primary objective of ensuring the safety of witnesses throughout the entirety of the criminal justice proceedings, the program's endeavors will encompass both the prevention and response to intimidation.
Impact:
The City has been awarded $25,000 in State General funds. No local cash or in-kind match is required. The Hampton Witness Protection Program will operate on a reimbursement basis only. To be reimbursed, the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office must first pay/obligate funds. This is a fifteen-month grant period beginning April 15, 2024, to June 30, 2025
Rec
Recommendation:
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded the City of Hampton ("City") the 2025 Witness Protection Grant Program in the amount of $25,000.00;
WHEREAS, the Witness Protection Grant Program does not require a local cash or in-kind match;
WHEREAS, the Witness Protection Grant Program Grant award will be used by the Commonwealth's Attorney; and
WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period of April 15, 2024, through June 30, 2025;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia hereby amends its Fiscal Year 2025 Council Approved Budget to (1) accept and appropriate the 2025 Witness Protection Grant Program award in the amount of $25,000, and any supplemental funding, from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to the Grant Fund; and to support witnesses and their families who may be in danger because of their cooperation with the investigation and prosecution of serious cases.
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.