REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 15, 2014
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: SHARON SHAFFER, Deputy Chief
Support & Special Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) grant program from 2015 to 2017
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $1,500,000 in total grant funding from the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the CalGRIP program for 2015, 2016 and 2017, and execute the grant agreement with BSCC for the 2015/2015 CalGRIP grant program
2. ***RESOLUTION - 30th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2014-95 appropriating $189,900 into the Police Department's FY 2015 budget for the CalGRIP grant program (Requires 5 affirmative votes)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Chief of Police to accept $1,500,000 in grant funding from the Board of State and Community Corrections ("BSCC"), execute the grant agreement with BSCC for the 2015 California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) grant program, and adopt the 30th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2014-95 appropriating $189,900 into the Police Department's FY 2015 budget for the CalGRIP grant program. The remaining funds will be included in the FY 2016 and FY 2017 budget submission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The BSCC awarded the City of Fresno $1,500,000 in grant funds for continued staffing of the Mayor's Gang Prevention Initiative, Ceasefire strategies, community engagement and community based organizations partners. The grant commences on January 1, 2015, and concludes on December 31, 2017. A local dollar-for-dollar match requirement of $1,500,000 will come from the existing staff salaries assigned to the program. The total project cost is $3,000,000.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno is one of the 25 areas in the State of California designated as a "High Intensity Gang Area" ("HIGAS"). Due to the number of gang members living in our city, reducing fear and violent crime by eradicating gangs requires a comprehensive collaborative community effort. The Fresno Police Department was recently awarded $1,500,000 for the 2015-2017 CalGRIP grant to augment our effort to reduce gang violence and gang related shootings.
If approved, grant funds will support the continuance of one full-time case manager who provides program services referrals for the Mayor's Gang Prevention Initiative ("MGPI") and Fresno Ceasefire ("FCF") programs. Funding will purchase supplies, equipment and training for MGPI and FCF staff, overtime for pro-active enforcement operations related to gangs, gang violence and illegal firearms and equipment to enhance our technology and forensic lab. In addition, funding will be used to purchase and deploy a Gunshot Detection System and augment an annual Midnight Basketball Tournament for identified youth related to the Youth Liaison Officer program.
The grant requires 20% of the funding to be allocated to Community-Based Organizations (CBO):
1. The Fresno Barrios Unidos organization will implement the evidence based "El Joven Noble" program for youth and young men residing in the city. El Joven Noble is a ten session youth development, support and leadership enhancement curriculum which is designed to strengthen self-esteem among males, ages 11-24.
2. Care Fresno will continue with five recently established community learning program sites in gang dominated apartment complexes. Care Fresno leaders heal neighborhoods through comprehensive ministries such as after-school tutoring, sports, mentoring, Bible studies and summer camps.
3. The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission will continue to operate the Tattoo Removal Program ("TRP") hosted at their health services clinic. The goal of TRP is to enable individuals to transition from the gang lifestyle into mainstream society and become employable.
4. Cornerstone Community Care will continue the recently established street outreach program. Seasoned street outreach workers will continue training and respond to gang related incidents in the City of Fresno. The goal of the project is to respond to gang related incidents and lessen the probability of them escalating in violence and/or retaliation. Workers will also provide outreach in areas of the city with the highest incidents of gang violence and shootings.
5. The Fresno Police Activities League will provide structured youth activities in boxing and karate programs. Youth enrolled in programs will be mentored, assisted with homework, and enabled to compete in local and statewide events.
6. Fresno Neighborhood Watch-Bringing Back Broken Neighborhoods will conduct mobile outreach events in neighborhoods identified in need of assistance. The project goal is to bridge resources and local ministries to residents in identified neighborhoods.
7. The Fresno/Madera Youth For Christ chapter will develop and implement a youth vocational program to those recently released from juvenile hall. Youth will be mentored and guided on the essential tools and principles of running a business and marketing a product.
8. The Fresno Police Chaplaincy Program will enhance their current successful mentoring program in local schools identified as being in great need of a gang prevention program. The program will devote a full-time case manager responsible for matching mentors with mentees.
The grant requires 10% of the funding to be used for data collection and development of a local evaluation plan. The evaluation project will be conducted by California State University, Fresno.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a "project" for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because the AAR does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for this program will not have a negative impact on the City of Fresno's General Fund. This is a reimbursement-based grant and all expenditures will be reimbursed on a quarterly basis. The local dollar-for-dollar match requirement of $1,500,000 over three years will come from the existing staff salaries assigned to the program. No additional personnel will be hired. The 30th Amendment AAR 2014-95 has been approved and is attached; there are no future obligations once the performance period has expired and all funds expended.
Attachment: Grant Agreement
30th Amendment AAR 2014-95