City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 7, 2024
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: RAUL PEDROSO, INTERIM CHIEF OF POLICE
DOCKET TITLE
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application for the U.S. Department of Justice Community Police Development Microgrant for Underserved Populations.
ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) Community Police Development Microgrant for Underserved Populations.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Approve the grant application for $175,000 to the USDOJ; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: Community Policing Development (CPD) is a competitive grant program designed to advance the practice of community policing by providing guidance on promising practices through the development and testing of innovative strategies; building knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and supporting new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities.
Under the CPD - Microgrants solicitation, local, state, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies may propose demonstration or pilot projects that offer creative ideas to advance crime fighting, community engagement, problem solving, or organizational changes to support community policing in one of the following areas:
• officer recruitment, retention, and workforce diversification
• underserved populations
• building trust and legitimacy with the community
• hate crimes and domestic terrorism
• community violence intervention
• open topic area
DISCUSSION: The Alexandria Police Department (APD) is requesting approval to apply for the USDOJ Community Police Development Microgrant, subcategory Underserved Populations. Funding, if awarded would provide APD capacity to develop or enhance programs that meet the needs of underserved populations. The grant program encourages agencies to partner with institutions of higher education, community groups and other criminal justice stakeholders on project activities. Grant funding will support APD’s connection with youth in underserved neighborhoods, with the goal of building trust and creating opportunities for mentorship and skills training.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no required match from the City and, therefore, no additional fiscal impact from this grant. The award period is two years.
STAFF:
Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager
Brenda D’Sylva, Division Chief, Police Department