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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary documents to receive and expend grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the 2012 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program; and increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund (SR) in the Police Department (PD) by $300,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On July 8, 2011, the Long Beach Police Department received award notice of the 2012 Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant for approximately $300,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). OTS provided the approximate amount to allow the grant award to be approved by City Council in order to begin grant activity on October 1, 2011. Any increase in the award amount will be presented to the City Council.
The goal of the grant is to reduce the persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes.
"Best practice" strategies will be conducted on an overtime basis. The funded strategies include DUI/Driver's License checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols. The program will also develop a "Hot Sheet" program. Court stings operations will focus on DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court. These strategies are designed to earn media attention, thus enhancing the overall deterrent effect. An appropriation increase for this grant in the amount of $300,000 is necessary and will be fully offset by grant revenue.
This item was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary Anderson on August 9, 2011 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 1, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested on September 13, 2011, to expedite use of the grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Selective Traffic Enforcement Program grant is currently unbudgeted; therefore, an appropriation increase in the General Grants fund (SR 120) is included in the recommendation. Grant revenues will offset the expense appropriation and the grant does not re...
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