Title
Project Safe Neighborhoods FY 2009 Grant Application (NB)
This item requests City Commission authorization for the Gainesville Police Department to pursue the Project Safe Neighborhood Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to fund the Tactical Impact Unit.
Explanation
The U.S. Department of Justice has announced it is seeking applications for funding under the Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) Grant Program. This program furthers the U.S. Department of Justice's mission by providing grants to support and expand PSN task force efforts to reduce gun crime. Congress has appropriated funding to maintain current and expand PSN comprehensive gun crime reduction strategies. The program's effectiveness is based on the cooperation of local, state, and federal agencies in a unified offensive led by the U.S. Attorney in each of the 94 (ninety four) federal judicial districts. The City of Gainesville has received grant awards through the Project Safe Neighborhood Grant Program in the past and is eligible to continue to seek funding from this program.
The Gainesville Police Department will utilize funds from the grant to conduct overtime details to target geographical areas that have had a dramatic increase in firearms-related offenses.
Fiscal Note
Grant funds awarded for the Project Safe Neighborhood Program do not require any local matching funds. The solicitation allows for funding requests for up to a 36-month period. Applicants must provide a budget that is allowable and reasonable. The Gainesville Police Department's project will not exceed $34,000. There are no specified limitations for the amount of an award. Each federal judicial district is eligible to apply for a formula-based allocation, based on population, which will flow through the PSN fiscal agent (Florida Department of Law Enforcement). The U.S. Department of Justice will determine each district's final grant award, which may take into account the district's need for funding and past performance.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to: 1) apply to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance, for a grant in an amount up to $34,000; and if awarded, 2) accept and execute the grant award and any other necessary documents, pending review by the City Attorney as to form and legality, and 3) approve the expenditures as outlined in the approved grant award.
Alternative Recommendation
The City Commission decline the request to pursue funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs' Bureau of Justice Assistance grant funds in an amount of up to $34,000 and advise staff not to apply for and accept these funds.