Title
COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP) (B)
Explanation:
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has announced the availability of funding under the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). The COPS Office will receive the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to address the personnel needs of law enforcement. The CHRP is a competitive grant program.
The Gainesville Police Department (GPD) would like to apply for funding available through the Recovery Program and reserve the opportunity to hire up to 20 sworn officers in order to provide and extend the level of Public Safety services in the City of Gainesville. The COPS Hiring Recovery Program will provide 100% funding for approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years.
The GPD currently has a 2003 COPS Hiring grant (currently 12 funded positions) and has explored the opportunity of utilizing CHRP funds to offset costs related to this program, however, the Department of Justice has denied this request. This request would allow the City to hire additional police officers should the opportunity arise over the next 3 years and/or examine other funding possibilities for existing positions.
Fiscal Note:
The Federal grant will provide 100% funding for the approved entry-level salaries and benefits for three years. At the conclusion of the third year the City of Gainesville would be responsible for all salary and benefits for each officer hired under the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP).
Recommendation:
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to apply for the COPS Hiring Recovery Program grant under the COPS funding for 20 police officers.