Title
Neighborhood Crime Watch (NCW) Signs Funding from State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Funds (NB)
Explanation
The Gainesville Police Department's NCW program is designed to empower citizens to take an active role in the care, maintenance and overall quality of life in their neighborhoods. The main goal is for each community to develop a sense of territorial ownership over its homes, streets, parks and other areas that define each neighborhood. By doing this, crime and factors that bring crime, are not able to grow and flourish. There are currently 51 active NCW groups in the City. They retain the active status as long as they meet as a group at least two times per year. The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) provides two signs at no cost for each NCW area. Each sign costs approximately $20 each. Posting NCW signs assists the neighborhoods by defining each neighborhood and creating a keen sense of ownership. Once signs are installed they are typically not removed and require no additional costs. GPD has been working to replace old signs throughout the City, but there are close to 100 signs that still need replacing. In addition, GPD is planning for future NCW growth in the City, averaging one new NCW per month.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this expenditure of $2,000 are available in the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, as allowed under FSS 932.7055(4)(a). The balance in the account is $37,341.71.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the appropriation and expenditure of $2,000 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for the purchase of NCW signs.