City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 4, 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 Virginia Department of Criminal Justice American Rescue Plan Act Law Enforcement Equipment Grant Program.
BODY
ISSUE: Consideration of a grant application to the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Law Enforcement Equipment Grant Program
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council:
1. Retroactively approve the submission of an application to the ARPA Equipment Grant for up to $309,000; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: This funding opportunity is designed to help reduce incidents of violent crime and gun violence, which have increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding from the ARPA Equipment Grant can be used to purchase advanced technology and equipment and is made available with the purpose of enabling law enforcement to respond more efficiently and effectively to the rise in gun violence.
This is a formula-based grant opportunity. To determine the maximum award for each locality, the DCJS considered multiple factors including crime rates, population, financial stress, and police officer population. The maximum allowable award for the City is $309,000, and there is no local match requirement.
Due to the late notification of this grant opportunity, this action is contingent on retroactive City Council approval for a grant submitted on March 24 and pursuant to Council discussion at its March 28 meeting.
DISCUSSION: The City of Alexandria has seen a rise in violent crimes when comparing data from pre-pandemic (2019) to post-pandemic (2022). The data shows an increase in all categories of violent crimes, as illustrat...
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