1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 23, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Michael Albanese, Chief of Police
BY: Courtney Padgett, Police Administrator (Former)
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of the 2023 Grant Agreement with the United States Department of Justice for Law Enforcement Virtual Reality Training, and Any Future Amendments, Acceptance of $16,298 in Grant Funds , and Amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 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 3 GRANT
AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMEN T OF JUSTICE FOR LAW
ENFORCEMENT VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING, AND ANY FUTURE AMENDMENTS, ACCEPTANCE OF $ 16,298 IN GRANT FUNDS AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-24 BUDGET BY APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 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 f ederal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. JAG funds support all components of the criminal 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
The dynamics of working within law enforcement today are challenging and continually evolving. Events occurring throughout the nation over the past few years have highlighted the necessity for quality police training programs to ensure that officers are equipped to handle complex, diverse, and volatile situations. Effective training can assist officers to better understand and respond to the needs of the community and be prepared to manage situations in an appropriate manner to effectively resolve issues and ensure the safety of all involved. Due to continued staffing shortages and fiscal challenges, law enforcement agencies have implemented innovative methods to enhance traditional training programs and curriculum.
One innovation has been the introduction of virtual reality ( VR) technology. VR is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel as if they are immersed in their surroundings. The use o f VR for law enforcement training provides a safe and controlled environment where officers can practice and respond to different types of scenarios. Training scenarios can be designed for general law enforcement situations, based on recent issues or incidents specific to a community or agency, and/or unique to the performance and development needs of individual officers. Officers can experience and react to simulated situations in an immersive environment, with no risk to themselves or others and where they can be provided immediate feedback regarding their actions. Advanced VR training also offers intuitive programming with scenarios that adapt in real -time based on the decisions and actions of the trainee.
Contemporary law enforcement training programs integrate and emphasize the deployment of de- escalation techniques as a primary and essential part of an officer’s response to certain situations. De-escalation involves using strategies, including verbal and non-verbal communication, to stabilize and reduce the intensity or immediate threat of a situation. De-escalation skills are critical to the success of today’s police officers and when effectively deployed, enhance safety for all individuals involved in a situation, reduce liability for the agency, and enhance trust with the community. The Burbank Police Department ( Department) employs a robust training program for all personnel that includes curriculum on de-escalation tactics as part of its annual sworn officer use of force training (conducted in an in-person classroom setting).
Each year, the BJA identifies areas of need for grant recipients and encourages local governments to utilize grant funding to address these issues. The 2023 areas of emphasis include a focus on officer de-escalation training and the important role of VR in enhancing law enforcement training programs. The BJA encourages units of local government to use JAG funds to support VR de-escalation training for officers. The Department has been awarded $16,298 in grant funding in support of its 2023- 2025 Strategic Plan goal of 3 building capacity through emerging technology ( including the use of VR to enhance training).
The Department will utilize grant funds to enhance its existing training program through the implementation of VR training. The Department will collaborate with a professional public safety training provider and/or with another agenc y that currently utilizes VR training to develop and facilitate VR training sessions for officers with an emphasis on de- escalation tactics for sworn personnel. Training sessions will be conducted onsite at the Department station and/or at a regional location (yet to be determined). A curriculum will be designed to place officers in high- stress and fast -paced scenarios to practice and develop de-escalation, decision making, and communication skills.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Approval to accept this grant has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
This is a reimbursement grant with no requirement for matching funds. Staff is requesting Council authority to a ccept $16,298 in United States Department of Justice 2023 JAG funding and to amend the Fiscal Year (FY) 202 3-24 Budget by appropriating $16,298 from revenue account number 121.PD000.48010.1037. 24932 (General City Grants, Police Department General, Other Intergovernmental Revenues, DOJ Block Grant, JAG 2023) to expenditure account number 121.PD91B. 62755.0000.24932 (General City Grants, Police Department Grants – DOJ, Training, JAG 2023). 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 Department recognizes the need to implement the most contemporary policies, training, and technology. Approval and acceptance of this grant supports the Department’s commitment as a contemporary, service-driven agency that utilizes modern training curriculum and technology in its mission to provide professional public safety services to the Burbank community.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Resolution
Attachment 2: 2023 Justice Assistance Grant Agreement