title
CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of an Application for $14,904.00 in Grant Funds through the FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Local Solicitation.
body
Meeting Date: October 14, 2024
Contact Person/Dept.: Captain Luis Martinez/Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6391
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (10/09/2024)
Department Approval: Jason Sims, Police Chief (09/23/2024) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $14,904.00 through the FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistant Grant (JAG) Program Local Solicitation for the purchase of a dual-purpose canine.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Program is the primary provider of criminal justice funding to State and Local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG list established by the Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates the amount for which each unit of government is eligible to apply. The procedure for allocating JAG funds is based on a formula of population and violent crime statistics, in combination with a minimum allocation to ensure that each state and territory receives an appropriate share of funding. Sixty percent (60%) of the allocation is awarded to the State and forty percent (40%) is set aside for direct awards to units of local government. Based on the formula listed above, the City of Culver City is allocated $14,904.00.
If approved, the JAG funds will be used to purchase a dual-purpose canine. Police service canines have a long history of supporting and assisting emergency services agencies in protecting and serving the community. Moreover, law enforcement has significantly benefited from partnering officers with canines. The utilization of canines to enhance public safety includes tracking and locating missing persons, tracking and apprehending criminal suspects, and locating controlled substances, firearms, and explosives.
Canine programs typically consist of single-purpose or dual-purpose canines. Single-purpose refers to the canine being trained for one role while dual-purpose canines handle dual roles. The most common canine program in law enforcement is dual-purpose canines. In most dual-purpose programs, the first role is tracking and apprehension which includes locating individuals - missing children, missing adults, locating those who may be suffering from a medical condition and have wandered off, as well as locating, and/or apprehending criminal offenders. The second role is locating contraband such as suspected narcotics and controlled substances or suspected firearms/explosives.
The Culver City Police Department places a high priority on the safety of schools and religious institutions, as well as public events. The procurement of a dual-purpose canine, trained in tracking and apprehension of criminal offenders and locating explosives and/or suspected explosive materials, is vital. It will enhance the capabilities of the Police Department along with the preservation of human life, with public safety being of paramount concern.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The requested grant funding amount is $14,904.00 to purchase a dual-purpose canine.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $14,904.00 through the FY 2024 U.S. Department of Justice, Local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program;
2. Authorize the City Attorney to review/prepare the necessary documents; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute such documents on behalf of the City.