Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept and Enter into Agreement with U.S. Department of Justice, via Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, for 2018 Community Policing Development Grant Program (Ordinance S-44892)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or his designee, to authorize the Police Department to apply for, accept and enter into an agreement to receive federal grant funds through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, 2018 Community Policing Development grant program. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse, all funds related to this item. The grant amount requested is $300,000. No matching funds are required.
Report
Summary
The Police Department is seeking federal funding to implement the Virtual Community Crime Prevention program. This innovative new program would combine the Virtual Block Watch program with the Crime Free Multi-Housing program to enhance community safety through a projected reduction in calls for service and violent crimes. The program goals and objectives are to develop an innovative policing strategy to address and respond to gangs, violent crimes, and the opioid crisis. The Virtual Community program would identify 60 multi-housing properties within the City of Phoenix with the highest number of calls for service. These properties would be invited to participate in the program where they would purchase and install a surveillance camera system and signage promoting their participation in the Virtual Community program. The Police Department would inspect the cameras, ensure access to the video footage, and then reimburse the property management company for the purchase of the surveillance camera system. Access to this camera footage could then be accessed by Police Department personnel during an investigation of a crime. The program goal is to reduce calls for service and violent crimes, while enhancing the quality of life for residents and the community. If awarded, grant funding will be utilized to reimburse Crime Free Multi-Housing complexes for the purchase of a monitored camera security system. The grant application was due June 7, 2018. If this request is denied, the grant application will be rescinded.
Contract Term
The term is two years, with an anticipated start date of Oct. 1, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2020.
Financial Impact
The grant amount requested is $300,000. No matching funds are required. Cost to the City would be in-kind resources only.
Concurrent/Previous Council Action
This item was unanimously approved by the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee on June 13, 2018.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney, Jr. and the Police Department.