Presenter/Contact
Presenter
Keith Lane, Interim Police Chief
Contact Info
(830) 221-4102 - klane@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Approval of a resolution, ratification of the submission of an application for funding to purchase forensic data collection equipment utilizing a U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program grant for Program Year 2022, and authorization for the City Manager to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to this grant.
Body
BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
The New Braunfels City Council strategic priorities include using a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. As such, Staff recently submitted a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program as administered by the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division’s Criminal Justice Program grant for Program Year 2022 for the purchase of forensic data collection equipment for the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD).
The grant application requests funding for the purchase of equipment that will replace critically outdated forensic data collection equipment currently in use by the New Braunfels Police Department (NBPD). The NBPD Traffic Unit utilizes a Total Station that has been in continuous use since 2007 to collect data points at traffic accidents to reconstruct collision scenes that result in loss of life and/or criminal charges. Due to its age, the equipment frequently malfunctions, causing significant traffic delays and increased risk to officers as they process the accident scene. After extensive research, it has been determined that a 3D laser scanning system will not only support the Traffic Unit but will also dramatically increase the efficiency and accuracy of NBPD’s Crime Scene Unit as it will allow them to collect photos and detailed measurements at major crime scenes such as homicides, suspicious deaths, and shooting incidents.
City staff has submitted a grant application for a total amount of $65,000 which includes the cost of the equipment as well as anticipated training and one-time equipment and supply costs. The granting agency will provide funds for 100% of the total amount therefore, there is no City-match requirement.
If approved, the grant will be awarded by September 2021.
Staff is also requesting City Council approval of a resolution, as required by the granting agency, that will authorize our City Manager to act as the authorized official on behalf of the City in all matters related to this grant. The designated authorized official is given the power to apply for, accept, reject, alter or terminate the grant on behalf of the applicant agency.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
|
X |
Yes |
Strategic Priorities |
Use a variety of funding sources for operational and capital needs. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
The granting agency will provide funds for 100% of the total amount therefore, there is no City-match requirement.
Recommendation
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a resolution, ratification of the submission of an application for funding to purchase forensic data collection equipment utilizing a U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program grant for Program Year 2022, and authorization for the City Manager to act on behalf of the City in all matters related to this grant.