CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
                  CITY COUNCIL AGENDA



  Agenda Date:        November 21, 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 (2nd
                      reading)


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