Title
Smart Supervision: Reducing Prison Populations, Saving Money, and Creating Safer Communities (NB)
This item is a request for City Commission approval to apply for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, and Bureau of Justice Assistance to assist the Gainesville Police Department in implementing evidenced-based supervision strategies and developing innovative new strategies to improve the success rate of the adults being supervised in the community on probation and parole.
Explanation
The City of Gainesville Police Department is requesting to apply for the Smart Supervision: Reducing Prison Populations, Saving Money, and Creating Safer Communities Grants Program by the deadline of April 7, 2014. Recipients of this grant could be awarded up to $750,000 total for three years. This grant will enable the City of Gainesville to further the success of the BOLD (Brave Overt Leaders of Distinction) Program through continual improvements of educational and employment readiness services and the implementation of character building strategies focused specifically on preventing and reducing recidivism. Two Life Coaches will be hired to assist with the personal and professional development of participants as they continue their education, obtain employability skills, learn important life management skills, and participate in community projects/neighborhood events. The Life Coaches will also develop life plans, maintain files, schedule accountability meetings, and collect data for quarterly reporting requirements. Funding from this grant will also be used for operational expenses, employment assistance, office equipment, and supplies to support the mission and vision of the BOLD Program.
This grant requires the incorporation of a research partner, independent contractor or academic institution, to assist with data collection and analysis, problem assessment, strategy development or monitoring and evaluation performance. The Gainesville Police Department will request that any costs associated with this contractual service be funded by this grant.
Through collaboration with community leaders and partners, the BOLD Program will continue to provide physical/mental health services, financial stability, and substance abuse treatment to prevent and reduce recidivism.
Fiscal Note
There is no match requirement for this grant.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorizes the City Manager to: 1) accept the grant if awarded from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant; and if awarded 2) execute any grant documents, subject to approval as to form and legality by the City Attorney.