Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Permission for Port St. Lucie Police Department to Proceed with the Grant Submittal Process of the FY 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant- Countywide (JAGC) Program
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Submitted By: Richard R. Del Toro, Jr., Acting Chief of Police
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be financially responsible.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) is requesting permission from the City Council to proceed with the grant submittal process of the State (FDLE) allocated funds of $31,524 from the FY 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant-Countywide (JAGC) Program for Law Enforcement Technology.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve to proceed with the grant submittal process for the FY 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant-Countywide (JAGC) Program, starting with the 51% letter to the County for the Tactical Operations Equipment Project.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve to proceed with the grant submittal process of FY 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant- Countywide (JAGC) Program, starting with the 51% letter to the County for the Tactical Operations Equipment Project.
2. Move that the Council not approve with the grant submittal process and provide direction to staff.
Background: On July 25, 2023, the City of Port St. Lucie received notification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Office of Criminal Justice for the Federal Fiscal Year 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program JAG-Countywide (JAGC) Solicitation. The amount allocated to St. Lucie County was $94,572 of which PSLPD’s one-third share is $31,524. On July 25, 2023, the County requested that PSLPD submit a 51% letter (signed by the Mayor) to be submitted to FDLE (via the County) by Tuesday, September 18, 2023. The formal grant submittal is to be completed no later than October 2, 2023, through FDLE’s electronic grants management system (AmpliFund).
Issues/Analysis: PSLPD intends to use the allocated State JAG-Countywide (JAGC) for dual purpose. First, Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) will use grant funds in the amount of $26,000 to purchase small deployable robotic technology (i.e., throwbots). Robotics can quickly be deployed to provide rapid situation assessment to assist our Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.) in resolving high-risk situations involving hostages, barricaded suspects, natural or manmade disasters, rescue operations, and other critical and/or hazardous incidents. Secondly, PSLPD will use a remainder of the grant award ($5,524) to purchase a law enforcement equipment trailer, which will enhance the operational capabilities of our Field Force Operations (F.F.O) Unit by providing a centralized and organized solution for storing and transporting gear used by the F.F.O. Unit during civil disorder, crowd control, or other tactical situations.
Financial Information: PSLPD intends to use the allocated State JAG-Countywide (JAGC) funds of $31,524 towards equipment under the Law Enforcement Technology category. There is no matching requirement for this grant.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Solicitation from Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Office of Criminal Justice Grants dated July 25, 2023, for the FY 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant - Countywide (JAGC) Program.
2. FY2022 -JAGC Allocations
3. City of Port St. Lucie 51% Letter to Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) regarding each sub-grantees share in St. Lucie County
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: 23237-02
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Amber Izzo, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.