REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 25, 2015
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Police Department - Support & Special Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the Chief of Police to enter into an agreement with Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (FCSS) providing a School Resource Officer (SRO) at 100% of the actual officer's cost plus administrative fees and the operation/maintenance costs of a patrol vehicle for a total of $128,004
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council approve this contract between the Police Department and FCSS assigning one SRO to the Kermit Koontz Education Center and Violet Heintz Education Academy.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Police Department and FCSS have had a continuous agreement for SRO services since 2004. FCSS will reimburse the Police Department $128,004 which funds one at 100% and one patrol vehicle. The School Resource Officer will be assigned to Kermit Koontz Education Center (KKEC) and the Violet Heintz Education Academy (VHEA). KKEC and VHEA are public alternative schools for grades 7-12. The SRO will perform regular law enforcement services at the campus plus summer programs and juvenile probation operations (during school breaks) for the entire fiscal year.
BACKGROUND
FCSS, in an effort to provide a safe learning environment for students attending KKEC and VHEA has agreed to fund the SRO position. Assignment is during the standard school year and normal hours of operation; subject to the availability of the SRO. For purposes of the attached agreement, "availability" shall be at the sole determination of the Chief of Police, or his/her designated representative, taking into consideration any factors including, without limitation, health of officer, shortage of staffing, funding, and duty assignment of officer(s) to higher priority matters. However, in specific instances of the SRO taking personal leave or FPD approved law enforcement training; another available police officer will be assigned temporarily at the schools during such leave or training.
The primary mission of the Police Department's SROs is to improve the quality of life of students, parents, school employees, and related community members directly affected by the program. Specific desired outcomes of the program include:
• Reduction of criminal activity and fear on campus, and foster a positive relationship with the school community.
• Handle calls-for- service for incidents that occur in and around the campus involving students and/or employees.
• Identify school-related enforcement problems and develop solutions in a problem-solving manner.
• Provide a coordinated team effort between the Police Department and FCSS.
• A general improvement in the relationship between the Police Department and FCSS.
This agreement between agencies will lead to the enhancement of collaborative problem solving and bolster the quality of life for the students, parents, and staff of the respective schools.
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed amendment.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a "project" for the purpose of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines ยง 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered because this is an amendment to an existing contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This Amendment will not impact the General Fund. FCSS will fund 100% of the Fresno Police Department's operational costs for the officers plus administrative fees and the operation/maintenance costs of a patrol vehicle for a total of $128,004.
Attachments:
2015 Agreement
Exhibit A
Exhibit B