REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
September 25, 2014
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: SHARON SHAFFER, Deputy Chief
Support & Special Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the acceptance of the grant award from the California Endowment & Fresno Regional Foundation and authorize the Chief of Police to enter into and execute the agreement for all required program documents
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Chief of Police to enter into and execute the Agreement, subject to the approval as to form of the City Attorney, and all program documents, and authorize acceptance of grant award of $261,104. Funds for this project were included in the FY15 budget. Any remaining funds will be included in the FY 2016 budget submission.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The California Endowment (TCE) through fiscal sponsorship from Fresno Regional Foundation awarded the City of Fresno $279,116 in grant funds for continued staffing of the Youth Liaison Officer (YLO) position. The award will cover 100% of wages and 32% ($50,979) of fringe benefits of a sworn officer, and direct project expenses for two years, including 7.5% ($18,217) indirect cost fee from Fresno Regional Foundation. The remaining 68% ($14,600) of fringe benefits will be covered by the General Fund. The Fresno Police Department (FPD) will furnish an unmarked department vehicle for use by the YLO.
BACKGROUND
The FPD is committed to maintaining and building trust with our community. This trust provides every department member with the foundation required to carry out his/her duties. Without trust we simply do not have the ability to serve our public, including the youth of our community. The phrase "with our community" is included to reflect our desire to work side by side, in partnership with our community, as we collectively build a more inviting and healthy community together.
Any true, comprehensive, and strong bond between law enforcement and the community must include engaging and building relationships with the youth of all communities, diversities, and ages. Respect, trust, and understanding are key elements in any relationship. More importantly, they are critical to the relationship we are hoping to build and establish between the FPD and our youth. Taking the time to understand each other's perspective and paradigms can only lead and build a positive foundation in an improved relationship. It is clear that both youth and law enforcement both want to be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity.
To continue to meet the need outlined above, the FPD proposes the continuation of funding to support the YLO. The primary goal of the YLO is to build and strengthen relationships between youth and the FPD to support safer communities, with particular emphasis in the FPD's Southwest and Southeast Policing Districts. Those Districts correspond to the Building Healthy Communities (BHC) efforts in Central, Southwest, and Southeast areas of Fresno.
The grant approved by TCE will fund the YLO position for a two-year period. The FPD will provide one full-time assignment of a Youth Liaison Officer to perform duties described below.
The YLO duties include:
· Emphasizing building positive and healthy relationships that foster understanding rather than an enforcement emphasis.
· Representing, participating, ensuring a presence, and helping to jointly plan youth forums/events to enhance dialogue and break down barriers.
· Training and coaching other law enforcement officers in how to positively interact and build effective and positive relationships with youth in the Fresno BHC area.
· Building healthy, meaningful relationships and deepening trust with youth to challenge negative perceptions between youth and the FPD.
· Continue research and updates of Resource Guide for Youth and Families, in cooperation with the youth leaders and other relevant organizations that outline current community resources as well as laws and recommended actions when interacting with police.
· Organizing, convening, and facilitating ongoing dialogue circles between youth in the community and the FPD.
· Developing a strategy focused on violence and youth together with youth leaders that will emphasize positive partnerships between youth and FPD.
· Work together to identify and amend at least one Department policy that will forge stronger, more positive, and healthier relationships between youth and officers.
The YLO will work under the direct supervision of the FPD - Support Bureau.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
N/A
LOCAL PREFERENCE
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no required match. There will be an impact of 63% or $14,600 to the General Fund to cover officer fringe benefit costs over the allowable percentage permitted by the grant. No additional personnel will be hired.
Attachment: Project Grant Agreement