Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Jestin D. Johnson FROM: Floyd Mitchell
City Administrator Chief of Police
SUBJECT: OPD FY 2023 - 2024 Justice
Assistance Grant
DATE: March 23, 2025
City Administrator Approval Date:
RECOMMENDATION
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Administrator To Accept And Appropriate Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds In The Amount Of Four Hundred Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred Twenty-Six Dollars And Sixty Cents ($412,626.60) For October 1, 2022 Through September 30, 2026 For Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Award, And For Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Forty-Five Dollars And Seventy Cents ($265,745.70) For October 1, 2022 Through September 30, 2026 For Fiscal Year 2024 Grant Award, To Upgrade Equipment And Technology Department-Wide
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Oakland Police Department (OPD) will utilize funding from the 2023 and 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) local allocation to support critical technology upgrades and maintain essential aviation services.
A portion of the JAG funds ($288,372.30) will be allocated toward upgrading OPD’s information technology infrastructure, including software, hardware, and other emerging technology needs.
OPD has operated an aging helicopter for many years, which requires significant financial investment to remain operational. The remaining funds ($450,000) will be used for helicopter fuel, equipment, and mobility-related upgrades to support this vital resource.
These investments will enhance OPD’s ability to provide high-quality policing services, strengthen community trust, and contribute to public safety throughout Oakland.
BACKGROUND / LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
The federal JAG program is divided into two allocations: a state allocation and a local allocation.
The state may distribute its allocation as it sees fit. But must distribute the local allocation to Jestin Johnson (May 2, 2025 10:12 PDT)
05/02/2025
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: OPD Justice Local Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds Date: March 25, 2025 Page 2
Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
eligible units of local government in predetermined amounts. Each county is required to apply as a consortium. Alameda County qualifies for a local allocation of $746,889 in local funds for the 2023 JAG grant and $622,193 for the 2024 JAG Grant. These funds may only be used by agencies for the following areas: local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice. Funds may also be used for research and evaluation activities that will improve or enhance law enforcement programs related to criminal justice. The local awards provide funding over four years. The local awards include an initial lump sum distribution, which may be deposited into an interest-bearing account. There is no matching fund requirement.
As part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005, the 108th Congress merged the discretionary Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Program with the formula-based Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) program to establish the JAG program. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) administers the JAG program, and the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) calculates the JAG formula-based award amounts using specifications outlined in the legislation.
To determine local awards, BJS determines which jurisdictions should be included in the calculation of the three-year violent crime averages on which local awards are based. These crime averages are computed using data published by the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. To be eligible to receive JAG funds, a jurisdiction must have provided to the UCR with the number of violent crimes known to law enforcement each year for a minimum of three years in the last 10 years.
BJA has developed joint application groups, consolidating certain cities and counties for the JAG program. Alameda County is part of a joint application group with the cities of Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Newark, Oakland, San Leandro, and Union City. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) is the designated lead for the Alameda County JAG consortium.
The City Council previously authorized acceptance of similar grant funds by Resolution No.
90039 C.M.S. dated December 19, 2023; Resolution No. 89665 C.M.S. dated April 7, 2023; Resolution No. 87664 C.M.S. dated May 7, 2019; Resolution No. 86466 C.M.S. dated November 1, 2016; Resolution No. 85870 C.M.S. dated November 3, 2015; Resolution No. 85530 C.M.S. dated April 21, 2015; Resolution No. 84641 C.M.S. dated October 1, 2013; Resolution No. 84338 C.M.S. dated May 7, 2013; Resolution No. 83625 C.M.S. dated November 11, 2011; Resolution No.82934 C.M.S. dated July 20, 2010; Resolution No. 81975 C.M.S. dated May 5, 2009; Resolution No. 81581 C.M.S. dated October 7, 2008; Resolution No. 80873 C.M.S. dated October 2, 2007; Resolution No. 80128 C.M.S. dated September 19, 2006; Resolution No. 79764 C.M.S. dated September 19, 2006; and Resolution No. 79378 C.M.S. dated July 19, 2005.
In 2023, at the direction of City Council, OPD was directed to consider purchase of a fixed wing aircraft to replace one of the helicopters. In addition to ongoing maintenance costs the helicopters, when compared to alternatives like the fixed wing, burn considerably more fuel at approximately 26 gallons of jet fuel per hour. The noise associated with the helicopters had long been a complaint of residents within the city of Oakland. Additionally, the department helicopters Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: OPD Justice Local Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds Date: March 25, 2025 Page 3
Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
operating costs exceed $1,000.00 per hour. These estimates are based on newer aircraft than currently operated by the department. The Air Support Unit completed a Request for Quote through the City’s website to acquire a new fixed wing aircraft. The RFQ process was completed in May of 2023. Prior to requesting funds for the purchase of the Airplane and associated equipment, OPD was required by the City Charter to obtain an authorized use policy by the Oakland Privacy Advisory Committee. That Policy was approved and adopted by Council at the December 5, 2023 City Council Meeting (Resolution 89995 C.M.S.).
Since that time the department had been working with the City Attorney’s office, City Budget Bureau, and numerous city partners to prepare and schedule legislation to seek City Council direction as to the purchase for the aircraft. This process was put on hold due to City of Oakland budget limitations and challenges. Since air support is critical for public safety, continued maintenance and fuel purchases are needed for the helicopters.
ANALYSIS AND POLICY ALTERNATIVES
These grants advance the Citywide priorities of holistic community safety and responsive, trustworthy government. This funding helps OPD have up-to-date training and equipment to enable the agency to be responsive to community safety needs. The funds also help OPD collect information that is needed regarding Internal Affairs and Use of Force investigations; thereby, allowing OPD to be transparent and in compliance with its highest-risk activities.
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) formed the Alameda County JAG consortium in 2005 and updates the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with related amendments annually upon annual JAG grant application submission. As the lead agency, ACSO is entitled to ten percent of the award for administering the JAG funds. Each consortium member may draw down its allocated funds, which is less than the ten percent administrative fee. OPD relies on JAG grant funding for equipment and training to utilize best practices, ensure transparency, and build public trust.
To implement best practices, enhance transparency, and maintain public trust, OPD requires state-of-the-art equipment, modern technological innovations, and continued investments in training.
For the FY 2023 Byrne JAG Local Grant, OPD intends to allocate funds toward:
1. Technology upgrades, including new computers, updated software, IT-related hardware, and other emerging technology needs ($162,626); and
2. Maintenance and fuel for OPD helicopters ($250,000).
For the FY 2024 Byrne JAG Local Grant, OPD plans to invest in:
1. Continued technology improvements, including new computers, updated software, IT hardware, and additional emerging technology needs ($65,745.70); and
2. Helicopter maintenance and fuel ($200,000).
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: OPD Justice Local Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds Date: March 25, 2025 Page 4
Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
These investments will better position OPD to deliver high-quality policing services, strengthen police-community relations, and contribute to the overall safety of Oakland.
FISCAL IMPACT
Table 1 below outlines the spending plan for the Fiscal Year 2023 JAG Local allocation is as follows:
Table 1: 2023 JAG Grant Spending Plan
Description of Funds Amount
FY 2023 Byrne JAG Local Allocation (City of
Oakland) $458,474.00
Technology Innovations (IT and equipment
upgrades) $162,626.60
Equipment Upgrades (Helicopter Maintenance
and Fuel) $250,000.00
Oakland Spending Plan Total $412,626.60
Alameda County 10% Administrative Fee $45,847.40
Oakland Allocation Grand Total $412,626.60
Table 2 below outlines the spending plan for the Fiscal Year 2024 JAG Local allocation is as follows:
Table 2: 2024 JAG Grant Spending Plan
Description of Funds Amount
FY 2024 Byrne JAG Local Allocation (City of
Oakland)
$295,273.00
Technology Innovations (IT and equipment
upgrades)
$65,745.70
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: OPD Justice Local Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds Date: March 25, 2025 Page 5
Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
Equipment Upgrades (Helicopter Maintenance
and Fuel) $200,000.00
Oakland Spending Plan Total $265,745.70
Alameda County 10% Administrative Fee $29,527.30
Oakland Allocation Grand Total $265,745.70
Funding will be appropriated in the Federal Grant Fund (2112), Fiscal Services Division Org (106510), Agency-wide Administration Program (PS01), and in Projects and Accounts to be determined.
Fiscal Year Fund Source Organization Account Project Program Amount 2023 2112 106510 TBD TBD PS01 $412,626.60
2024 2112 106510 TBD TBD PS01 $265,745.70
Total: $678,372.30
PUBLIC OUTREACH / INTEREST
No public outreach was conducted in the preparation of this report beyond the standard City Council noticing procedures.
COORDINATION
This report was reviewed by the Office of the City Attorney and the Budget Bureau.
SUSTAINABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Economic: When possible, supplies and equipment for this grant will be purchased locally.
Environmental: There are no environmental issues associated with this report.
Race and Equity: Grant funds and other resources from partnering agencies are directed toward achieving increased service levels and long-term benefits for challenged areas.
Jestin D. Johnson, City Administrator
Subject: OPD Justice Local Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds Date: March 25, 2025 Page 6
Public Safety Committee
May 13, 2025
ACTION REQUESTED OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Staff Recommends That The City Council Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Administrator To Accept And Appropriate Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Funds In The Amount Of Four Hundred Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred Twenty-Six Dollars And Sixty Cents ($412,626.60) For October 1, 2022 Through September 30, 2026 For Fiscal Year 2023 Grant Award, And For Two Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand, Seven Hundred Forty-Five Dollars And Seventy Cents ($265,745.70) For October 1, 2022 Through September 30, 2026 For Fiscal Year 2024 Grant Award, To Upgrade Equipment And Technology Department-Wide
For questions regarding this report, please contact LaRaija Marshall, Fiscal Manager, at (510) 238-4767.
Reviewed by:
Kiona Suttle, Deputy Director
OPD, Bureau of Services
Dr. Tracey Jones, Police Services Manager
OPD, Research and Planning Unit
P repared by:
LaRajia Marshall, Fiscal Manager
OPD, Fiscal Services Division