TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Police |
Chief Darrell Lowe |
425-556-2521 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Police |
Brian Coats |
Captain |
TITLE:
title
Approval of the $170,000 U.S. Department of Justice Grant Award for Body Worn Cameras
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Police department staff is requesting Council approval to accept funding from this grant.
On May 26, 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it was seeking applications for funding law enforcement agencies seeking to purchase or expand body worn camera programs. The DOJ program, BJA FY 21 Body Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies is intended to promote the safe, transparent, and fair administration of justice between law enforcement and members of the community.
The police department applied for this grant and on December 17, 2021 the department was informed the application was approved with an award amount of $170,000. The grant funding application required the agreement of a 1:1 match by the City to illustrate a commitment to the success of the program. The City’s required local match of $170,000 will come from the police department’s existing budget for the body worn camera program. Funding from this grant will be used primarily to finance body worn camera equipment.
The City’s purchasing policy mandates that grant acceptance is required by Council. To meet the DOJ’s January 31, 2022 acceptance deadline and not risk losing the funding, staff accepted the award on January 12, 2022. Council may refuse to accept the grant as no funding has been received.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
The police department has drafted relevant policy that is currently in review by the union for the use of body-worn and in-car cameras.
• Required:
Council approval is required for accepting grants.
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
On August 17, 2021 City Council approved a budget adjustment appropriating $3.9 million dollars to fund a body worn and car camera program through 2025. Of that, approximately $1 million is budgeted in the current biennium. During the review of this proposal, the police department informed Council it was anticipated Federal grant funds would become available during the initial five-year period.
OUTCOMES:
The police department’s DOJ grant award of $170,000 will be matched by City funds to purchase equipment for the body worn camera program. The program will consist of 85 body worn cameras and ancillary equipment. The grant funding will supplement the body worn camera program.
The additional capacity provided by the grant award will be used to fund costs associated with infrastructure enhancements, redaction software, and storage.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
No budget impact
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
228 Criminal Justice
Budget Priority:
Safe and Resilient
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
Council has previously budgeted for the body worn camera equipment. The $170,000 grant fund frees up the budgeted funding for equipment, but it must be spent on costs directly associated with the body worn program.
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
The body worn camera program was funded by Council using one-time dollars through 2025. For the program to continue, it will need to be funded by the refreshed public safety levy or other revenue source.
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
7/20/2021 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
|
8/17/2021 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
4/5/2022 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City will not accept grant funding if Council does not approve the grant.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: July 20, 2021 Council Memo.