From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Resolution supporting the nineteenth year continuation of the Police Department's Victim Assistance Program grant in the amount of $149,076
Presenter
Steve Dye, Chief of Police
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The Police Department is interested in applying to the Criminal Justice Division (CJD) of the Governor's Office for a continuation grant for the Victim Assistance Program, which consists of two full-time Crime Victim Services Coordinators.
The Crime Victim Services Coordinators continue to plan, coordinate, and administer the Victim Assistance Program by recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers and interns; providing personal advocacy for crime victims and their families; planning, implementing, and monitoring new programs pertaining to victim outreach; court accompaniment and interfacing with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, and others on behalf of victims; assisting victims in securing Crime Victims Compensation benefits; providing community education programs; and participating as a member of the Coalition of Crime Victim Services, Law Enforcement Victim Assistance, and Grand Prairie Human Services Coalition.
In 2014, the Victims Assistance Unit provided services in the following categories; Crisis Counseling (35), Information / Referrals in Person (685), Justice Support Advocacy (759), Emergency Legal Assistance (140), Assistance in Filing Compensation Claims (716), and Personal Advocacy (685).
The Grand Prairie Police Department's Victims Assistance Unit provides a valuable service to community members in assisting crime victims in navigating the legal process, as well as offering assistance to survivors in the healing and recovery process.
The Public Safety, Health and Environment Committee will review this item on February 4, 2015, which is the next scheduled meeting.
Financial Consideration
The grant period begins September 1, 2015 and ends August 31, 2016. It is anticipated that the total cost for the City during this 12-month period would amount to a cash match of $22,796 and in-kind contribution of $7,020 which is calculated by using volunteer hours through a formula established by CJD.
Total funding for this grant is anticipated to be $149,076.
CJD funding $119,260
Cash match 22,796
In-kind match 7,020
Total $149,076
The current fiscal year portion of the cash match of $1,900 (for September 2015) is contained in the Police Department's General Fund Budget FY 2014/2015. The remaining cash match of $20,896 (for October 2015 - August 2016) would need to be considered for approval for the FY 2015/2016 General Fund Budget.
Continued participation in this grant program, requires the City to provide documentation of financial commitment to CJD each year of participation.
Body
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, IN SUPPORT OF A GRANT FROM THE TEXAS CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION OF THE GOVERNORS OFFICE FOR THE VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, TO BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE AND APPROVAL
Whereas, the Texas Criminal Justice Division of the Governors Office is accepting grant applications for the Victims of Crime Act;
Whereas, the Grand Prairie Police Department wishes to apply for funding of the Victim Assistance Program;
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 the Victim Assistance program (grant number 13591-16).
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 CJD funds, the City Council of the City of Grand Prairie assures that the funds will be returned to CJD 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, THIS 3RD DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2015.