BACKGROUND:
A Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA) has been established in each county of the state, for the purpose of overseeing and allocating funding being provided by the State of California's Citizens Options for Public Safety (Cal-COPS) Program, for the purpose of funding "frontline law enforcement services." The total state funding from the program allots a certain percentage for "city funding." City funding allocations are distributed based on population estimates provided by Chapter 353 of the Budget Act for the particular year funding.
In accordance with Government Code Section 30061 and 30063, the City Council shall approve the appropriation of the anticipated funding by approving a written request in the form of an "Expenditure Plan." The County of Riverside Sheriff's Department is designated as the Supplemental Law Enforcement Oversight Committee and must certify receipts and approval of the City's Expenditure Plan prior to submitting it to the County Board of Supervisors for review and approval, who will subsequently authorize the County Auditor/Controller to release the funding.
DISCUSSION:
The current balance of S.L.E.S.A. funds for FY 2020-2021 is $20,063. The Expenditure Plan requirement requests the identification of the category (or categories) for which the Police Department plans to expend current funding. It has been determined that the best and most beneficial use of a portion of the funding will be designated to purchase Motorcycle Officer equipment and uniforms for four motorcycle officers, and the communication equipment for one police motorcycle.
Over the last four years, the police department has operated with one traffic motorcycle officer. Due to staffing and personnel challenges, the department has not had a functioning Traffic Bureau in recent years. Over the last 18 months, previous staffing challenges have been addressed and the department now has the opportunity to re- initiate a traffic program. In May, three officers and a sergeant were selected to begin the traffic program.
With the selection of the personnel, the department is purchasing necessary equipment for the selected employees. There is also a need to update the radio operating system on one of the department motorcycles to become compatible with the new radio system.
Seven pairs of Air Mesh Trousers, three Air Mesh Jackets to include alterations from Motorport USA for $7,601.48, including sales tax and shipping.
Three pairs of All American Motor boots (traditional) from All American Boot Manufacturing for $1,866.15, including sales tax and shipping.
Three pairs of motor breeches from Sinatra Uniform for $821.22, including sales tax.
Four pairs of Sidi Canyon Gore-Tex boots from PVP Communications for $1,513.71, including sales tax and shipping.
Four LS2 Valiant II motorcycle helmets from PVP Communications for $5,450.79, including sales tax and shipping.
One speaker mic Bluetooth control module for police motorcycle from PVP Communications for $1,620.58, including sales tax and shipping.
The total cost of equipment is $18,872.93.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approving the Expenditure Plan will provide a funding source to purchase the listed equipment in the amount of $18,872.93, including all sales tax and shipping costs. The remaining balance for the SLESA FY 2020-2021 is $1,190.07.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action B-12 Develop a traffic calming plan with strategies for addressing location specific speeding issues