Title
Resolution Approving the City of Hampton, Virginia's Participation In and Appropriation of the FY2017 Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program through the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to States and units of local government. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awards JAG Program funds to eligible units of local government under a local solicitation. Under this program, localities can use funding to provide equipment, supplies, training, and information systems for criminal justice law enforcement programs. BJA recognizes that there are significant pressures on local criminal justice systems and that in these challenging times, shared priorities and leveraged resources can make a significant impact. Emphasis areas for this year's grant program include addressing challenges such as reducing gun violence and officer safety and wellness. Funding amounts are awarded to localities based upon their share of violent crime and population.
Discussion:
The Hampton Police Division's Threat Mitigation and Response Capability Project will utilize this federal funding to address several areas of equipment upgrades and additions that could not otherwise be funded through the operating budget. With the grant funds, the Police Division will procure optics sights and fore-end system upgrades to current division-issued weapons and procure additional surveillance cameras to expand the Real Time Information Center's capabilities. The Police Division's current optics system is close to 20 years old and due to age, units are no longer serviceable for duty use. Replacement of these systems along with new additions such as handguards, LED lights, and anti-slip panels will improve proficiencies of the operators and increase safety to law enforcement personnel and the public. These new systems will increase efficiencies in low-light conditions and add general safety features, making potential life or death differences in real-time situations. They will also enhance public safety officers' abilities to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, such as active shooter, to save lives through the utilization of modern equipment.
The second component, to expand the number of surveillance cameras available to the Real Time Information Center (RTIC), will support public safety operations during emergencies, major city events, and in times of heightened alert. Due to the large military footprint in the area as well as key high-value assets surrounding these installations, the City of Hampton's Police Division has a great responsibility to continuously evolve with the safety and security needs of the region. Real-time monitoring of strategic, high trafficked areas will allow the Division and support staff to actively monitor and mitigate potential threats while maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of deployed resources.
Collaboratively, this project will address current operational gaps and allow flexibility towards future growth while enhancing the safety and security of residents, visitors, and first responders.
Impact:
The grant award will be made in the amount of $43,958 in federal funding. There is no match required, cash or in-kind.
Recommendation:
Rec
Approve.
Body
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded the City of Hampton, Virginia ("City") the 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in the amount of $43,958 in Federal funds; and
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial JAG requires no local match, cash or in-kind; and
WHEREAS, the grant award covers the period of 10/01/2016 to 09/30/2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia amends the Fiscal Year 2019 Council Approved Budget to accept and appropriate the 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds in the amount of $43,958 with no match required, cash or in-kind, as awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) in accordance with the grant award.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia authorizes the City Manager, or her designee, to take any and all actions necessary to implement this grant award.