Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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To Formally Inform City Council that the Police Department’s Application for the FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program-Local Solicitation, PSLPD Dive Team Equipment and Supplies Project has been Selected for an Award in the Amount of $22,314 and Seek Approval of Grant Agreement.
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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 Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) has been awarded funding through the FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program-Local Solicitation, to establish a Dive Team within its Special Operations Division. The project aims to enhance PSLPD’s capacity to perform essential underwater operations such as lifesaving rescues, post-drowning recoveries, evidence collection, and the management of water-related hazards. Given Port St. Lucie’s abundant aquatic environments including rivers, lakes, canals, ponds, and retention marshes, this initiative is critical for public safety.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Approve acceptance of grant award and execution of grant agreement by the mayor.
Background: The Bureau of Justice Assistance seeks applications for formula funding to provide additional personnel and/or purchase equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, including for any one or more of the following program areas:
1. Law enforcement programs.
2. Prosecution and court programs.
3. Prevention and education programs.
4. Corrections and community corrections programs.
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
8. Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.
9. Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives, including but not limited to mental health courts, drug courts, veterans’ courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.
Issues/Analysis: The requested grant will fund the purchase of essential dive equipment for three officers, including tanks, masks, wetsuits, fins, snorkels, and dive computers. This initial investment is seen as a stepping-stone toward the broader goal of developing a fully equipped and highly trained dive team that can meet the city’s growing needs. By equipping these officers, the Dive Team will be able to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies, significantly improving operational capabilities in water-related incidents.
Financial Information: PSLPD intends to use the FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program-Local Solicitation grant funds, in the amount of $22,314 cumulatively. Grant period is 10/1/23 - 9/30/25. There is no matching requirement for this grant.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: Port St. Lucie Police Department
Attachments:
1. DOJ Justice Grants System - Award Number 15PBJA-24-GG-04668-JAGX Notification
2. Federal Award - Agreement
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: Legal Intake # 24341-01
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.