Title
FY 2017 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (B)
This is a request for City Commission approval to apply for funding under the FY 2017 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program Continuation.
Explanation
The United States Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention requests that the City of Gainesville apply for funding under the FY 2016 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program Continuation. This funding will allow the continuation of the Gainesville Police Department’s North Florida ICAC Task Force which provides equipment, training, and investigative support to agencies investigating crimes involving the victimization of children through the use of technology. The Task Force serves 38 counties in the State of Florida and the US Virgin Islands.
Fiscal Note
The City is eligible to receive grant funding up to a maximum of $349,828. No matching funds are required. The effective dates of the grant are July 1, 2017 - September 30, 2018.
It should be noted that the Office of Justice Programs has decided to align the ICAC awards with the common fiscal year. This does cause a 15-month project period, with 12 months of funding. Historically, funding has not actually been available until October, even though the grant period was supposed to start in July. Therefore, we have submitted annual period extension requests with existing funding to cover that period. In essence, the DOJ is now merely mirroring the realistic funding cycle from congress and the necessary behavior of the task forces. The switch to a 15 month cycle should not be viewed as putting our task force, our obligations, or capabilities at risk.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) authorize the City Manager to apply for these funds, and 2) execute any additional documents that may be required, pending review of the City Attorney as to form and legality.