File #: 24-1359    Name: FY2023 JAG Grant Application
Type: Grant Application Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 8/24/2023 In control: City Council Legislative Meeting
On agenda: 9/12/2023 Final action:
Title: Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to combat Part I Crimes for the Police Department.

City of Alexandria, Virginia

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MEMORANDUM

 

 

 

DATE:                     SEPTEMBER 5, 2023

 

TO:                                          THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

 

THROUGH:                      JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER   /s/

 

FROM:                     DON HAYES, CHIEF, ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

DOCKET TITLE:                     

TITLE

Consideration of a Grant Application to the FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to combat Part I Crimes for the Police Department.

BODY

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ISSUE:  Consideration of a grant application to the FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to combat Part I Crimes for the Police Department.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  That City Council:

 

(1)                     Retroactively approve the submission of the grant application (applied on August 24, 2023) for up to $43,152; and

 

(2)                     Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.

 

BACKGROUND:  The Federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program was first funded in

FY 2005, replacing the former Law Enforcement Block Grant (LEBG) program. The City has participated in these programs since 1997. JAG funding has been used in a variety of ways in the past and staff proposes this JAG grant would enable enhanced enforcement of Part I (serious) crimes. The Police Department addresses Part I crime trends through task force style investigations involving multiple officers.

 

DISCUSSIONStaff proposes to use the FY 2023 JAG funds to hire back officers to replace those temporarily assigned to investigate Part I crimes, including, but not limited to: robberies, larcenies, burglaries, weapon violations, and homicide response/investigations. The City most recently applied for and received JAG funding for this purpose in September 2021.

 

When needed, officers will be able to sign up to work on specific details targeting a specific area of the city where Part I crimes are occurring. Officers can also be selected from various units (i.e., patrol and investigations) that may work a task force or special detail and JAG funds are used to hire back officers with overtime pay to fill their normal assignments in patrol. 

 

FISCAL IMPACTThere is no required match from the City and, therefore, no additional fiscal impact from this grant. Alexandria’s share of funding was predetermined, using a formula developed by the grantor agency.

 

STAFF:

Yon Lambert, Deputy City Manager

Easton McDonald, Assistant Chief, Field Operations Bureau, Police Department

Jamie Bridgeman, Captain, Police Department

Brenda D’Sylva, Division Chief, Police Department

Jennifer Simon, Fiscal Officer I, Police Department

Daniel Briel, Lieutenant, Traffic Safety Section, Police Department