Title
State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund (LECFTF) Funding for "You and the Law" Crime Prevention Program (NB)
This item requests that the City Commission appropriate and expend $14,000 in funds from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for Gainesville Police Department's for "You and the Law" Program.
Explanation
The Police Department was awarded $15,000 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Byrne Grant Program to facilitate a new initiative by the Department to educate the youth about the laws and the consequences of violating them. The Program will involve instruction regarding laws and law enforcement and how it relates to juveniles in our community. A Law Professor with the University of Florida will facilitate classes for at-risk youth, young adults, parents and Neighborhood Crime Watches. Participants will be provided an informational booklet. This program is a continuation of the Police Department's effort to assist high-risk youth that have the greatest likelihood of becoming part of the criminal justice system.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this expenditure are available in the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, as allowed under Florida State Statue 932.7055. The current balance of the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund is $54,057.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the appropriation of $14,000 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund to assist with the implementation of the "You and the Law" program.
Alternative Recommendation A
The City Commission: 1) decline the appropriation; and 2) direct staff to seek alternative maintenance options.
Alternative Recommendation B
The City Commission not implement new programs designed to curb youth violence.