Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation In and Appropriation of the DCJS Byrne/JAG Program Law Enforcement Grant
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Department of Criminal Justice Services has awarded the City of Hampton Police Division grant funding in the amount of $50,000.00 in federal funds, with no local match requirement, in support of the Police Division's "Counter Measures and Crime Analysis" project. Crime and disorder can only be addressed by law enforcement through the collection, analysis, and distribution of actionable information and information-led policing tactics that are subsequently followed through by the investigatory process and ultimately, successful prosecution. As the age of technology progresses, more and more judges/magistrates and juries have the expectation of tangible evidence in the form of audio, video, and still photography during the presentation of case material. Simultaneously, criminal elements are advancing their own tactics and skills relating to the detection of police surveillance, undercover operations, and covert technology which captures this evidence. These factors pose challenges to law enforcement when addressing violent crime, drug abuse, and extremism/terrorism within the community. Through the use of the DCJS Byrne/JAG grant funding, the Hampton Police Division will be able to strategically reduce these gaps in capabilities and more closely align with the ultimate goal of facilitating a safer community for our city while furthering officer safety.
Discussion:
The Hampton Police Division will utilize the grant funds to purchase equipment for investigations related to guns, gangs, and drugs in alignment with the Division's mission. This will include equipment for use in covert operations as well as for the analysis, storage, and preservation of evidence for prosecution. Additionally, it will allow the Hampton Police Division to purchase its first Forensic Workstation to downlo...
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