TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a new agreement between the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Unified School District to staff School Resource Officers for an amount not to exceed $920,799, with an estimated net cost to the City’s General Fund of $230,200. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Police Department (PD) is seeking to enter into a new agreement with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) for the upcoming school year of September 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016.
LBUSD will reimburse the City for the PD costs, including indirect costs, to the limit of their available funding of $690,599. Five police officers will be assigned to the high school campuses and will be available throughout the term of this agreement on Tuesday through Friday each week, except on days when students are not present. In 2014, LBUSD agreed to increase their share of the cost to 75 percent of the total cost. The City’s share is 25 percent, or $230,200.
School Resource Officers (SROs) provide LBUSD with an additional resource to reduce and prevent student-related problems. The Police Department began the program in 1999 as a preventative measure following the Columbine incident. Since its inception, LBUSD officials believe the high schools are safer and benefit from a low crime rate because of this partnership that serves to meet the City Council's stated priority to further reduce crime, particularly violent crime.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney on August 7, 2015, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 12, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested for September 8, 2015 due to the start of the new school year.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of services provided under this agreement is approximately $920,799 and is included in the FY16 Proposed Budget for the Police Department (PD). Under the terms of this contract, the LBUSD will reimburse the City approximately $690,599 which will be deposited in the General Fund. The net General Fund subsidy for this agreement will be approximately $230,200. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
ROBERT G. LUNA
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER