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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of an Application for $200,000 in Grant Funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2024 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
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Meeting Date: July 8, 2024
Contact Person/Dept.: Assistant Police Chief Troy Dunlap/ Police Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-6396
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Attachments: Yes [] No [X]
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (07/02/2024)
Department Approval Name, Title Date: Jason Sims, Police Chief (06/17/2024) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $200,000 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2024 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) announced the availability of grant funds for Fiscal Year 2024. BJA funding is intended for law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices and correctional agencies performing law enforcement functions to purchase or lease body-worn cameras (BWCs) to establish or expand comprehensive body-worn camera programs with a specific and demonstrated plan to implement this technology to maximize the benefits of BWCs. Funding under this program supports agencies with existing BWC programs that are seeking to improve the management, sharing, and integration of digital evidence generated from BWCs’; optimize how prosecutors leverage BWC footage to improve operations; or to use BWC to enhance officer training or constitutional policing practices. This program furthers the DOJ’s mission by promoting the safe and fair administration of justice.
The use of technology by law enforcement professionals has increased exponentially over the past decade. It is not only relied upon for efficiency, but it enhances the safety of officers and community members. Technology plays a key role in creating and maintaining public trust through providing foundations for police transparency and accountability.
On September 25, 2023, the City was awarded $200,000 from the FY 2023 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies grant with a $200,000 cash match requirement. The cash match requirement was adopted in the Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 in the Police Department Operating Bureaus Division in Account No. 10140200.732120 (Departmental Special Equipment).These funds were not expended in the prior year and will be carried forward into Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Staff will come before the City Council next month recommending approval of a ten-year contract with Axon for $4.9 million ($490,000 annually). Carry-over funds from the Revised Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Department budget and an approved budget enhancement in the Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 will cover the first-year implementation costs for the replacement of the department’s body worn camera and in-car camera systems and taser equipment.
Staff recommends applying for $200,000 in grant funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2024 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies which can be used to fund the second year of an agreement with Axon. The grant requires that the City match 100% of the grant funds with General Fund dollars.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The grant fund amount being requested is $200,000 for body-worn cameras. The grant requires a 1:1 cash match. If the City is awarded the $200,000 grant, the $200,000 General Fund match would be included in the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
MOTIONS
That the City Council:
1. Approve an application for grant funds in the amount of $200,000 through the Bureau of Justice Assistance FY 2024 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies; and
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.