TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution accepting funding from the California Department of Justice Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program (SAPP). (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Domestic Violence Unit of the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office is a specialized unit that prosecutes all misdemeanor crimes between intimates, Le., spousal abuse, child abuse, and elder abuse. The City Prosecutor's Domestic Violence Unit is committed to the aggressive prosecution of domestic violence crimes to hold abusers accountable for their crimes, protect the victims and thereby improve the quality of life for Long Beach residents.
To continue to meet the challenge of prosecuting these highly complex cases, this City Prosecutor's Office seeks to avail itself of certain grant funds through the California Department of Justice Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program (SAPP). To obtain these grant funds, the City Prosecutor will provide from the present Department budget either an in kind match or actual cash funds equal to 20% of the grant funds received. When in place, the grant and matching funds will allow the City Prosecutor's Office to continue funding the position of Domestic Violence Investigator for the 2007-2008 grant period.
Under a SAPP grant, the City Prosecutor's Office has funded a Domestic Violence Investigator since January 1997. Successful prosecution of domestic violence cases is highly dependent on thorough investigation. Often, victims and or witnesses, who may be emotionally or economically dependent on the abuser, are reluctant participants in the prosecution. Overcoming the difficulties presented by these cases is highly dependent on continuing investigative efforts. The Domestic Violence Investigator obtains victim and witness statements, takes photographs, serves trial subpoenas and sometimes provides transportation for victims or witnesses. These efforts result in more convictions and less abuse for our residents.
The attached Resolution authorizes the City Manager to complete a SAPP grant application and all paperwork and assurances required by the State of California. It also authorizes the amendment of the
City Prosecutor's budget to reflect the receipt and expenditure of these grant funds. The State of California has allocated in its budget the sum of Forty Six Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars ($46,787.00) as the SAPP grant amount for the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office.
Pending successful completion of paperwork and assurances, the California Department of Justice will award the Long Beach City Prosecutor's Office these grant funds provided the City Prosecutor commits to expend matching funds or an "in kind" contribution equal to at least 20 % of the grant funds amount or the sum of Nine Thousand Three Hundred and Fifty-Seven Dollars ($9,357.00). The combined state and city funding will provide the salary for one Domestic Violence Investigator together with a vehicle, equipment, office space, and miscellaneous expenses for the duration of the grant period.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The funding cycle for this grant requires City Council approval before June 29,2007.
FISCAL IMPACT
The grant funds are compensation for an investigator position. This position would have to be fully funded by General Funds without receipt of these grants funds. The City will receive a net $37,430.00 in grant funds over the $9,357.00 in matching City funds.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE SPOUSAL ABUSER PROSECUTION PROGRAM (SAPP) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL NECESSARY CONTRACTS AND DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Respectfully Submitted,
THOMAS M. REEVES
CITY PROSECUTOR