REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
February 26, 2015
FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Police Department - Support & Special Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Approve amendment to agreement with Fresno Unified School District ("FUSD"), adding two (2) additional School Resource Officers ("SROs") to be assigned to FUSD middle schools
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that City Council approve the first amendment to contract between the Police Department and FUSD which designates SROs for FUSD schools, thereby allocating two additional SROs to FUSD middle schools and allow Chief of Police or his designee to sign on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FUSD and the Police Department have had a continuous agreement for SRO services since 2004. Currently, FUSD funds nine officers (at 75%), one sergeant (at 90%), and ten patrol vehicles. FUSD seeks to fund two additional SROs at 75%, plus the operation and maintenance of additional two patrol vehicles. Upon approval, this agreement will become effective February 26, 2015. FUSD will pay for 75% of salary and fringe for each SRO, plus operation and maintenance of two patrol vehicles, totaling $189,033.
BACKGROUND
FUSD, in an effort to provide a safe learning environment for students attending district high schools and middle schools, has agreed to fund two additional SROs at 75% of the Police Department's actual rates. Upon approval, the term of this agreement will be effective February 26, 2015 through June 30, 2015. FUSD will fund $182,367 for two officers and $6,666 for the operations and maintenance of two patrol vehicles. The total cost is $189,033.
The two SROs will perform regular duty law enforcement services at FUSD's middle schools.
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 City Attorney has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed amendment.
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 designated campuses 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 FUSD
• A general improvement in the relationship between the Police Department and FUSD
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a "project" for the purpose of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 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. FUSD will fund 75% of the Fresno Police Department's operational costs for the period of March 2, 2015, to June 30, 2015. Operational costs include the two police officers and two patrol vehicles.
Attachments: First Amendment to Agreement
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
2012 Agreement