CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 18, 2022
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
SUBJECT: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. ___-22 ACCEPTING FUNDS AND
AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURES FROM THE CALIFORNIA
SUPPLEMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES ACCOUNT (SLESA)
SYNOPSIS
The purpose of this item is to authorize the acceptance of grant funds in the amount of $100,000 from the California Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Account (SLESA), formerly known as “Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF).”
DISCUSSION
Background
In 1996, California state legislation (AB 3229) created the Citizens Options for Public Safety (COPS) program allocating $100,000 to eligible local governments yearly for front line law enforcement services. These funds are distributed through the SLESA. The funds cannot be used to supplant resources, but instead must be used to supplement existing resources or funding.
SLESA funds can be used for salaries, services, supplies, equipment, and administrative overhead.
SLESA funds cannot be diverted into an entity’s general fund and must be used for the aforementioned front line law enforcement services. Additionally, administrative overhead costs may not exceed .05 percent of the total award. The size of the total award to each recipient is proportionate to population with the minimum award for all entities set at $100,000 yearly.
The award for Pleasant Hill for the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year is $100,000. Enabling legislation specifies a city council must appropriate funds as specified in the written request of the entity’s Chief of Police. Funds are distributed from the State to the County, which then distributes the funds to the City on a monthly basis.
Analysis
The Police Department’s proposed use of these funds in fiscal year 2021-22 will go toward funding the following items:
Automated License Plate Reader ($29,487)
Expansion of the current Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) program. ALPR captures digital images of vehicle license plates as they pass the reader camera. Any license plate matched to a license plate in the system’s database is reported in real time to law enforcement. This information enables officers to take action based on the type of data received. ALPR systems are very effective in locating and recovering stolen vehicles, alerting law enforcement officers to vehicles wanted in connection with other crimes, and obtaining investigative data that assist law enforcement in investigating and solving criminal cases. This technology is one of many programs designed to keep the City of Pleasant Hill safe and prevent property crimes.
Dispatch Supervisor Position ($20,000):
Until 2019, the supervision of the professional staff in the Support Services Division fell to a single civilian supervisor, but because of the ongoing changes and significant increased work requirements, it was no longer feasible to have a single supervisor oversee the numerous employees and job functions. Consequently, this led to a reorganization of the Services Division and the recommendation for a new Dispatch Supervisor position. The Police Department requests a commitment of $20,000 from SLESA funds to offset the cost for this position.
Replace Taser Electronic Control Device Inventory ($50,513) The Police Department’s current inventory of Taser electronic control devices were purchased in 2006 and require replacement. Updated Taser devices are more effective at detaining violent and actively resistant individuals. The Police Department requests a commitment of $50,009 from SLESA funds to offset the cost of replacing this vital public safety equipment.
FISCAL IMPACT
No general fund fiscal impact is anticipated. By statute, funds from SLESA may not be combined with general fund accounts. The use and administration of SLESA grant funds require minimal staff time to manage.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed resolution accepting the grant and the proposed use of funds.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
Council could direct staff to not accept the grant, or revise the list of recommended items.
ATTACHMENT(S):
Proposed Resolution
Prepared by: Matt Kristic
Operations Division Lieutenant
Reviewed by: Bryan Hill
Chief of Police
Approved by: June Catalano
City Manager