TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Prosecutor to execute all documents necessary, including any amendments, to receive and expend grant funding awarded by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for the Innovative Prosecution Solutions in the amount up to $360,000 for Combatting Violent Crime, for the period of October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2021; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the City Prosecutor Department by $360,000, offset by grant revenue.
DISCUSSION
The Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combatting Violent Crime Grant Program is a federal grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance to local prosecuting agencies. This grant was created to support innovative efforts by prosecuting agencies to make communities safer through the development and implementation of innovative and promising solutions.
In September 2019, the City Prosecutor’s Office was notified that it was selected to receive an award through the Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combatting Violent Crime in the amount of $360,000. The grant is a two-year grant beginning October 1, 2019, through September 30, 2021.
The goals of this grant include supporting and expanding innovative and evidence-based information sharing between prosecutors and law enforcement to reduce recidivism. Portions of the grant will be directed to the City’s Police Department and Technology and Innovation Department, as well as fund a research partner to evaluate the program as it develops. This grant will cover 100 percent of the costs of the program. There is no requirement for matching funds.
This is the second major grant awarded to the City Prosecutor’s Office. In 2014-2016, the City Prosecutor’s Office was selected to receive a grant of $203,478 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile and Delinquency Prevention to support community partnerships to reduce gang crime as part of the City Prosecutor’s Gang Prevention Strategy.
During the past several years, the City Prosecutor’s Office has been recognized for its leadership in multiple areas, including information-sharing, gang prevention, truancy reduction, and innovative court diversion and alternative sentencing programs. The grant award for Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combatting Violent Crime is a reflection of Long Beach’s growing reputation as leader in criminal justice innovation. It is the largest grant award ever secured by the Office of the City Prosecutor.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Sarah Green on October 2, 2019, and Budget Management Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on October 7, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 15, 2019, so that the City Prosecutor’s Office can begin development and implementation of the program under the grant.
FISCAL IMPACT
There will be no impact to the General Grants Fund since its appropriation increase will be fully offset by grant revenue. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DOUGLAS P. HAUBERT
CITY PROSECUTOR
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
ACTING CITY MANAGER