CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: November 7, 2022 Action Required: Appropriation of Funding Presenter: Tito Durrette, Acting Police Chief Staff Contacts: Holly Bittle, Budget and Management Analyst Title: Appropriating Funds for 2022 Bureau of Justice Assistance FY22 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Grant Program - Local Solicitation - $23,459 (1 of 2 readings) Background The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program furthers the Department’s mission by assisting state, local, and tribal law enforcement efforts to prevent or reduce crime and violence. The DOJ is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. Discussion To support its mission, the Charlottesville Police Department (CPD) is committed to recruiting, hiring, and training professional police officers to serve the community. There are two periods each year when a large number of qualified candidates undergo pre- employment background investigations. This coincides with peak recruiting times in preparation for sending new police recruits to one of the bi-annual Regional Police Academies. If appropriated, these grant funds will allow CPD to hire a limited term Background Investigator who will assist with pre-employment background investigations of police officer candidates. This will free up additional time for the Hiring and Retention Bureau’s full time staff to focus on connecting with prospective candidates and attending regional recruiting events to increase interest in the Charlottesville Police Department. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to increase the pool of qualified police officer candidates to fill the department’s ranks. Notification of award approval was received on September 26, 2022 for reimbursement up to $23,459. Alignment with City Council's Vision and Strategic Plan This project supports Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan, to be a Healthy and Safe City. Community Engagement The ability to hire a limited term Background Investigator using these funds will allow CPD’s Hiring and Recruitment Bureau to spend more time connecting with prospective candidates and attending regional recruiting events to increase interest in working for CPD. Budgetary Impact This has no impact on the General Fund. No local match is required. The funds will be expensed and reimbursed to a Grants Fund. Once the grant funds are expended, this position will be eliminated unless additional grant funding for the same purpose is obtained. Recommendation Staff recommends approval and appropriation of these funds. Suggested Motion: "I move the RESOLUTION appropriating the sum of $23,459 received from an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant". Alternatives If these funds are not appropriated, the Charlottesville Police Department will be unable to hire a limited term Background Investigator to support ongoing departmental recruitment efforts. Attachments 1. _Resolution - Appropriation Grant # 15PBJA-22-GG-02630-JAGX (1) 2. Certification and Assurances by CEO of Applicant Government