Title
Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative (B)
The purpose of this important initiative will be to enhance current electronic monitoring and GPS services and designate a position and equipment for supervision of High Risk Offenders accused of domestic violence related offenses.
Explanation
The Gainesville Police Department has been asked to partner with Alachua County Department of Court Services, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Alachua County Office of Victim Services, Peaceful Paths Domestic Abuse Network, and the University of Florida's Family Data Center to participate in the development of a national Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Demonstration Initiative. The lead agency for the grant is the Alachua County Department of Court Services. The purpose of this important initiative will be to enhance current electronic monitoring and GPS services and designate a position and equipment for supervision of High Risk Offenders accused of domestic violence related offenses. This enhancement would compliment the work of the dedicated Domestic Violence Court Officers and promote greater offender accountability. Officers in the dedicated unit have a long history of working to serve as a resource for victim safety through their work with local victim advocates based in the community (rape crisis, domestic violence and child welfare), law enforcement agencies (GPD has a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit) and the prosecutor's office. The Gainesville Police Department's designated Domestic Violence Unit will develop training modules for the community and law enforcement agencies to further understanding of domestic violence and related risk factors. GPD will work with the stated partners on the following topics: Pro-Arrest Initiatives for law enforcement, Danger Assessment, Lethality Assessment Program, High Risk Response Team Model, Protection Orders and No Contact at First Appearance Enforcement, Batterer's Intervention Program, Strangulation Risk and Documentation, How to Avoid Dual Arrest. With project funds, GPD can also hire a staff assistant/intern to enter and refine data collection initiatives.
Fiscal Note
The award for the first year of this initiative is $200,000. If the application is successful, the Gainesville Police Department will receive $23,100 to produce training modules and improve data collection methods. The initiative may be continued for two more years if analysis of data collected in the first grant cycle meets the objectives of the Office for Violence Against Women.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the City Manager to accept and execute the grant award if received as well as any other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.