REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 15, 2020
FROM: ANDREW HALL, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: MICHAEL REID, Deputy Chief
Support Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the 2021 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant:
1. Authorize the Chief of Police to accept $725,000 in grant funding for the 2021 STEP grant awarded to the Fresno Police Department from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS)
2. Authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement, extensions and all related documentation applicable to the 2021 STEP grant
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council authorize acceptance of $725,000 in grant funding from the OTS, allowing the Chief of Police to enter into and execute the agreement and all required documents. $546,750 has been budgeted in the FY 21 revised budget. The remaining funds will be utilized in FY 2022. Funds have been awarded for the 2021 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant to the Fresno Police Department’s Traffic Bureau.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno has been awarded grant funds of $725,000 from the Office of Traffic Safety to undertake the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). The grant period is from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. The goal of the STEP program is to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol, speed, distracted driving, and other primary collision factors. Grant funds will be used to fund overtime pay for officers to implement approved best practices strategies and to purchase checkpoint supplies, Tesla EDR Kit and Vericom V-Sense Brake Meter for motor officers assigned to the Traffic Bureau. Of the awarded amount, $546,750 has been budgeted in the FY 2021 revised budget and the remaining funds will be budgeted and expended in FY 2022. There is no match requirement.
BACKGROUND
The OTS grant for the STEP program will pay for overtime to allow the department to employ innovative enforcement strategies to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions. To reduce the number of persons killed and injured in crashes involving alcohol, speed, distracted driving, and other primary collision factors, “best practice strategies” will include: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, surveillance to apprehend and hold accountable repeat drunk drivers and those on probation for DUI, warrant service operations targeting DUI violators who failed to appear in court or violate probation, stakeouts, and a “HOT Sheet” program. The program will also concentrate on speed, aggressive driving, intersection operations with disproportionate numbers of traffic crashes and special enforcement operations encouraging motorcycle safety. These strategies are designed to earn media attention, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect. The educational component of this grant targets junior high and high school students emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety and the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
In addition to the enforcement and educational programs, the grant funds equipment and supplies components. These components will provide 100 traffic cones for use during high risk traffic operations (DUI checkpoints and accidents), Tesla EDR Kit to download the Event Data Recorder (EDR) for Tesla Model S, Model X, and Model 3 vehicles and the Vericom V-Sense Brake Meter to conduct road testing, road audits and measure brake efficiency and performance during crash data reconstruction investigations.
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 accepting grant funds does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no net impact to the general fund. The grant provides full cost recovery for all operations, training and supplies for this program. Expenses will be claimed and reimbursed on a quarterly basis. This funding will enable the Fresno Police Department to continue its efforts to educate the public and reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions within the City of Fresno.
Attachment: Grant Agreement