From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for grant funds in the amount of $201,734.40 from the Texas Criminal Justice Division (TCJD) of the Office of the Governor, to purchase body worn camera equipment.
Presenter
Chief Steve Dye, Police Department
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Grand Prairie Police Department serves a City that is situated within an exponentially growing Dallas - Fort Worth region. The combination of urban, suburban, commercial, and industrial growth in this region necessitates a vibrant, progressive, and well-trained police department that understands and respects the cultural and demographic diversity of its citizens and visitors. The Police Department continues to seek ways in order to enhance its transparency, promote the mutual accountability of, and the public partnership between its officers and citizens.
Based on current research, including the Interim Report of The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing, police departments should be aware that “building trust and nurturing legitimacy on both sides of the police/citizen divide is not only the first pillar…, but also the foundational principle…” in the nature of law enforcement and community relations. The Grand Prairie Police Department has built and maintains this culture of transparency in its relationship with community leaders and the citizens it is charged with serving.
A strong recommendation that adheres to this policing philosophy is the expanded use of Mobile Audio / Video systems. The use of Body Worn Camera (BWC) technology is another tool to expand the Departments ability to enhance its ability to collect evidence, improve officer safety, and to strengthen the mutual accountability between officers and citizens. The Department has currently implemented the BWC program by distributing 200 cameras to officers whose primary duties involve regular contact with citizens and enforcement actions.
This Texas Criminal Justice Division grant would allow the Police Department to be reimbursed for the purchased BWC equipment, continue to receive training and technical assistance, and funding assistance and support to maintain the Mobile Audio / Video system program. In order to purchase the balance of the total of 266 cameras (to equip all sworn officers who function in a uniformed enforcement capacity) and support the related technology, costs are projected to be $252,168.
The Public Safety, Health and Environmental Committee reviewed this item on March 6, 2017 and recommended that it be forwarded to the City Council for approval.
Financial Consideration
The total cost for the project is $252,168. The grant requires a 25% cash match. The Police Department will apply for $201,734.40 in grant funds, and must contribute a cash match of $50,433.60. Funding will be allocated in the FY 2017/2018 budget.
Body
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, IN SUPPORT OF A GRANT FROM THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION OF THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE FOR BODY WORN CAMERAS, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE AND APPROVAL
Whereas, the Texas Criminal Justice Division (TCJD) of the Governor’s Office is accepting grant applications for Body Worn Cameras;
Whereas, the Grand Prairie Police Department wishes to apply for funding for Body Worn Cameras;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas that:
SECTION 1. the City of Grand Prairie is authorized to submit an application for a criminal justice grant for Body Worn Cameras (grant number 3185802).
SECTION 2. the City of Grand Prairie agrees to provide any applicable cash match;
SECTION 3. the City Manager of the City of Grand Prairie is empowered to accept, reject, alter or terminate this grant on behalf of the City Council;
SECTION 4. in the event of loss or misuse of TCJD funds, the City Council of the City of Grand Prairie assures that the funds will be returned to TCJD in full;
SECTION 5. this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval in accordance with the Charter of the City of Grand Prairie and it is accordingly so resolved.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 7th DAY OF MARCH, 2017.