REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PACO BALDERRAMA, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: MARK SALAZAR, Deputy Police Chief
Investigations Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to the 2024 Law Enforcement Specialized Unit Program:
***RESOLUTION Adopt a Resolution authorizing acceptance of $203,143 in grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services’ Law Enforcement Specialized Unit Program for the Fresno Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit 2024 Law Enforcement Specialized Unit Program (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution for the acceptance of $203,143 in grant funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Law Enforcement Specialized Unit (LE) Program for the Fresno Police Department’s Domestic Violence (DV) Unit within the Family Justice Bureau (Domestic Violence grant). This grant, along with the 36th amendment to the annual appropriation resolution no. 2023-185, was previously brought before Council on February 22, 2024 and accepted. In past years we were not required to provide the grantor a resolution accepting the award; however, we were subsequently notified that this is a required document for the grant award.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno has been awarded grant funds in the amount of $203,143 from CalOES to augment the current capabilities of the DV Unit. This award is subject to a special condition that the funds cannot be expended until CalOES has access to funds through the applicable FY 2023-2024 Federal Award. The grant period is from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024. The goal of the LE Program grant is to work in partnership with Marjaree Mason Center (MMC) for the purpose of providing maximum available assistance for victims of domestic violence and their children within the City of Fresno. The program will continue to allow for funding for the two victim advocates co-locating in the Domestic Violence Unit. This will meet the need for immediate response to victims and their families and provide resources to them as soon as law enforcement is notified of the incident. The grant funds will be used to fund the current victim advocates assigned to the unit and enhance the DV Unit by addressing violence against victims through investigation, immediate response, immediate victim advocacy, and training for law enforcement officers.
BACKGROUND
In 2022 and 2023, the Domestic Violence Unit handled 9,665 and 10,616 cases, respectively. We believe we will serve over 10,000 in 2024. The Domestic Violence grant will allow us to expand our current capacity in response to victims and their children. With this funding, we will continue to provide two domestic violence victim advocates. With two advocates the City will allow advocate coverage for evening hours and weekends. The advocates will be assigned to the field and respond with patrol officers to calls for service related to domestic violence. By creating this quick response, victims will feel as though they have instantaneous help and reassurance that law enforcement cares and is doing everything possible to support them.
Additionally, victims of domestic violence and their children will have immediate resources available through the MMC, such as emergency housing, provided crisis intervention, advocacy, support groups, counseling, legal advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotline, survival skills, legal options classes, and referrals. This grant program will allow us to continue expanding our capabilities as an agency to reach out to all victims and ensure that services are offered and encouraged for all victims.
The MOU with the MMC has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a “project” for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not implemented; however, MMC is a local business.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no net impact on the general fund. The grant provides full cost recovery for all operations, training and supplies for this program. Advocates hired by the Marjaree Mason Center are contracted for the one-year performance period of the grant. At the conclusion, they will return to MMC to work on other projects. Expenses will be claimed and reimbursed on a quarterly basis. This funding will enable the Fresno Police Department to enhance its current capabilities and response to victims of domestic violence within the City of Fresno.
Attachment: Resolution