City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 21, 2023
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER /s/
FROM: BRYAN PORTER, COMMONWEALTH'S ATTORNEY
DOCKET TITLE:
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Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2024 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Operation Ceasefire Grant Program for Local Prosecutorial Resources for the Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney.
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ISSUE: Consideration of a Grant Application to the 2024 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Operation Ceasefire Grant Program: Local Prosecutorial Resources.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
(1) Retroactively approve the submission of the grant application (applied on October 30, 2023) for up to $479,748; and
(2) Authorize the City Manager to execute all the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services has created a grant opportunity in 2024 for local Commonwealth Attorneys' offices. The scope of this grant is to propose initiatives that will reduce violent crime in Virginia while implementing effective and sustainable solutions to intercept and eliminate local cycles of violence. DCJS has $5 million available statewide with localities able to apply for up to $500,000 with no match required. Any funding awarded must be spent over a 36-month period beginning January 1, 2024.
DISCUSSION: The Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney (OCA) proposes using grant funds to hire an experienced prosecutor whose job responsibilities are solely focused on the prosecution of offenses committed through the illegal purchase, possession, and or use of a firearm.
Alexandria has seen a pronounced increase in gun violence in recent years. For example, in 2022, Alexandria had a 100% increase in firearms related offenses relative to the prior year. Currently firearms...
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