1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 1, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Courtney Padgett, Police Administrator
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of the 2022 Grant Agreement with the United States Department of Justice for Jail Facility Virtual Court Equipment, and Any Future Amendments, Accepting $15,132 in Grant Funds , and Amending the Fiscal Year 2022- 23 Budget by Appropriating Funds
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE THE 202 2 GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FOR JAIL
FACILITY VIRTUA L COURT EQUIPMENT , AND ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS, ACCEPTING $15,132 IN GRANT FUNDS AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 202 2- 23 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) provides grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims, and enhance processes within the criminal justice system. The BJA Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the c riminal justice system, from multi -jurisdictional drug and gang task forces to crime prevention and domestic violence programs, courts, corrections, treatment, and justice information sharing initiatives. JAG funded projects may address improving the effectiveness and efficiency of criminal justice systems, processes, and procedures.
POLICE
DEPARTMENT
2 DISCUSSION
Each grant year, the BJA identifies areas of emphasis for grant recipients and encourages units of local government to join federal law enforcement agencies in addressing these challenges. This year’s areas of emphasis include addressing criminal justice challenges and sustaining innovations implemented related to the circumstances of the COVID -19 Pandemic (Pandemic). The Burbank Police Department submitted a grant application and has been awarded $15,132 in grant funding.
In response to the Pandemic, courts across the country at all levels were forced to significantly alter the administration of court proceedings. To reduce the risk of exposure to the virus for court staff, victims, witnesses, and defendants, virtual hearing and attorney visitation services were implemented for persons held in the City’s jail facility. In addition to minimizing risks related to the Pandemic, virtual court hearings also reduce safety and security risks associated with transporting individuals from the jail to the courthouse and save a significant amount of personnel time required to support in-person court activities.
Since the onset of virtual court and visitation processes in the Burbank jail facility, laptop equipment has been utilized for these purposes. Although this equipment has been sufficient as an immediate and short -term solution, enhanced capability is necessary to support the effective sustainment of this program . As encouraged by the BJA , the Burbank Police Department will utilize JAG funds to enhance the provision of virtual court and visitation services for persons in the City’s jail facility. The Department will improve the jail’s video/teleconferencing capability through the installation of an affixed anti - vandal/anti-ligature video moni tor enclosure and related technology. The unit is specifically manufactured for use in an institutional setting and will include a tamper resistant enclosure with high-
security locking systems,
concealed quick release door
hinges, and an internal thermostatic
cooling system. The unit will house
a high- resolution monitor, high
quality sound bar with microphone,
and all associated wiring ( with no
exposed cables )
1 . Equipment
installation will include additional
electrical and network wiring,
installation of electrical outlets, and
mounting of equipment.
1 Photo is for exemplar purposes only; exact model and design will be determined upon finalization of the equipment procurement process.
3 FISCAL IMPACT
This is a reimbursement grant with no requirement for matching funds. The City’s cost in accepting the grant will be the future replacement for equipment.
Staff is requesting Council authority to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 -23 Budget by accepting $15,132 in United States Department of Justice 2022 JAG funding and amending the FY 2022-23 budget to appropriate $15,132 from revenue account number 121.PD000.48010.1037.24633 (General City Grants, Police Department General, Other Intergovernmental Revenues, DOJ Block Grant, JAG 2022 Grant) to expenditure account number 121.PD91B.70011.0000.24633(General City Grants, Police Department Grants – DOJ, Operating Equipment, JAG 2022 Grant). Funds will initially be drawn from account 121.ND000.30011.0000.00000 (General City Grant Fund, Non- Departmental, Assigned Fund Balance) until reimbursed.
CONCLUSION
The Police Department recognizes the need to support secure, safe, functional, and sustainable operating systems for the City’s jail facility. Approval and acceptance of this grant agreement supports the Department’s commi tment as a contemporary, service- driven agency that utilizes modern equipment and technology in its mission to provide professional public safety services to the Burbank community.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: 2022 Justice Assistance Grant Agreement