TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents, including subsequent amendments, with the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, to receive and expend grant funding up to $1,200,000 from the Fiscal Year 2022 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding Program, for the period of March 15, 2022 to March 31, 2025; and
Increase appropriations in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department by $1,200,000, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) was awarded the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding Program from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, in the amount of $1,200,000. Senator Dianne Feinstein prioritized the City of Long Beach’s request for the congressionally directed spending item. The purpose of the grant is to support projects that improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent, or combat juvenile delinquency, and assist victims of crime (other than compensation).
LBPD will apply the funds towards providing the Georgetown Law developed Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training to sworn personnel and Special Services Officers (SSOs). The ABLE Project, and the Police Department, recognize that first responders have an obligation to intervene when necessary, to prevent their colleagues from causing harm or performing costly mistakes. The training will work to directly reduce biased policing and misconduct, by teaching practical strategies and tactics that are effective at preventing unnecessary harm to the community and law enforcement. Other benefits from the training include improved police-community relations, improved community satisfaction with their law enforcement agency, improved officer health and wellness, and improved officer job satisfaction.
LBPD’s Academy received $400,000 in funding as part of the FY 21 Long Beach Safety Recovery Plan to support the development of the ABLE Training Program. As required by the agreement with the Georgetown Law Center, a dedicated Sergeant was tasked with program implementation, including the recruitment and training of 25 department employees to complete a three-day train-the-trainer training session. These employees will be responsible for department-wide training. The train-the-trainer session is scheduled for September 2022. The Department anticipates completing initial department-wide training in December 2022. Mandated annual training at Advanced Officer Training Course (AOTC) will commence in May 2023.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez and Budget Management Officer Nader Kaamoush on August 18, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 6, 2022, to expedite use of grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive grant funding up to $1,200,000 for the period of March 15, 2022 to March 31, 2025 from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance to use towards providing ABLE training to sworn personnel and Special Services Officers. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $1,200,000 in the General Grants Fund Group in the Police Department, offset by grant revenue. No match funds are required. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
WALLY HEBEISH
CHIEF OF POLICE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER