Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve Port St. Lucie Police Department to Apply for BJA FY 2021 BWC Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies Grant
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Submitted By: John A. Bolduc, 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 seeking approval from City Council to apply for the BJA FY21 Body-Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies grant application. PSLPD intends to apply for funding totaling $592,000 in implement a broad-based BWC program within its agency. The grant covers the project period of three years, starting October 1, 2021, through September 30, 2024.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council permits the PSLPD to apply for the BJA FY21 BWC grant application that totals $592,000 in funding for implementation of a broad-scale BWC program for the agency.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and authorizes the PSLPD to apply for the BJA FY21 BWC grant application.
2. Move that the Council not approve the request and provide feedback.
Background: On May 28, 2021, the Port St. Lucie Police Department received an email notification alerting the agency of a competitive Body-Worn Camera grant funding opportunity from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The police department is requesting to apply for the grant, with a due date of July 12, 2021 for Grants.gov submittal.
Issues/Analysis: The PSLPD intends to apply for the three-year Federal BJA Body-Worn Camera (BWC) grant to begin this program on a broad-scale basis to ensure all sworn personnel are outfitted with a BWC. The grant only covers a maximum cost of $2,000 per officer, equating to a total estimated cost of $592,000 over the three years. The estimate accounts for sworn staff increases as outlined in the City’s Five-Year Business Plan. The estimated overall equipment cost to implement the BWC Program over three-years is roughly $2.88 million. Therefore, if the City is awarded the grant, the funding would cover about 20% of the BWC equipment costs.
Financial Information: PSLPD intends to apply for $592,000 of funding for this 3-year Body-Worn Camera (BWC) grant to outfit all sworn personnel with BWC. This grant has a $2,000 maximum cap per Sworn Officer and requires a 1:1 local cash (or in-kind) match. Note the equipment cost to implement this program is estimated to cost about $2.88 million. If awarded, then the City needs to budget the remaining amount of about $2.29 million in future years. Currently, there is funding proposed in the upcoming FY 2122 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget of $2.08 million to go towards these costs (including the match).
Special Consideration: This grant requires their Application form (SF-424) and Lobby Disclosure form (SF-LLL) be signed by the Mayor for submittal into Grants.gov by the July 12, 2021 deadline.
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments:
1. Email announcement of BJA FY21 Body-Worn Camera Grant Opportunity received on May 28, 2021.
2. Solicitation of BJA FY21 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
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: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
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