Placement: New Business
Action Requested: Discussion
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To Formally Inform City Council that the City of Port St. Lucie/Port St. Lucie Police Department has been Awarded a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant for the 2024-2025 Funding Cycle in the Amount of $230,108.
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Submitted By: Leo Niemczyk, Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to utilize fiscal responsibility.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie/Port St. Lucie Police Department has been awarded a Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. This grant will provide support for the salary, fringe benefits, and approved operating expenses of our three Victim Advocates in the Victims' Assistance Unit (VAU).
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: To inform Council of grant award.
Background: The 2024-2025 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant award provides funds from the Crime Victims Fund to enhance crime victim services in the State of Florida. Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance funds are typically competitively awarded by the Office of the Attorney General to public agencies and/or local, not-for-profit organizations that provide direct services to crime victims.
Issues/Analysis: The Victims’ Assistance Unit (VAU) within the Port St. Lucie Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division plays a vital role in supporting crime victims throughout the city. With the city's population having more than doubled since the 2000 U.S. Census, the demand for crisis response and victim services has grown significantly. The VAU is the only unit in Port St. Lucie that provides immediate, critical support to victims of violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, and traffic homicide. The unit works closely with detectives and patrol officers to ensure crime victims receive prompt assistance, crisis counseling, and access to valuable resources.
Financial Information: The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) intends to utilize the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant, totaling $230,108 for the 2024-2025 funding cycle. The grant period is from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and there is no matching requirement for this grant.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Police Department
Attachments: Award Package
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 24292-02
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.