Title
Discuss the Farmers Branch Police Department COPS Hiring Program Grant and provide direction to staff.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) released a reimbursable grant opportunity for local law enforcement agencies to apply for funding to support hiring additional sworn police officer personnel.
In the past, the City of Farmers Branch Police Department has funded additional sworn officer personnel by adding additional sworn officers through annual budget requests. This grant application would assist the Police Department in hiring sworn officer positions. Each approved position would receive $125,000 in funding assistance over a three-year period.
The application deadline for the COPS Hiring Program grant is June 6, 2024 - June 12, 2024. If awarded the grant funding, this project would impact the Fiscal Year 2024 - 2025 budget.
DISCUSSION:
The COPS Hiring grant is a five-year grant program. Applicants can apply for assistance to increase the sworn officer force by no more than 20%.
The goal of hiring additional police officers under this grant is to create a Traffic Patrol Unit that focuses on enhancing public safety on our roads while fostering community engagement. This will be accomplished through community education and outreach events to help residents and visitors learn more about vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle, and electric scooter safety while on Farmers Branch roads. Our primary goal is to mitigate vehicle accidents, address traffic law violations, and promote community policing efforts.
Farmers Branch Police Department plans to request funding assistance for up to three sworn officer positions. If awarded, the Police Department will coordinate hiring efforts with Human Resources.
The City would be responsible for paying salary costs over the allotted amount each year, benefits, uniforms, equipment, and training. The City match is estimated to be $194,000 per approved of...
Click here for full text