DATE: MAY 7, 2024
DEPARTMENT: SALINAS POLICE DEPARTMENT
FROM: JOHN MURRAY, ACTING CHIEF OF POLICE
BY: TONYA ERICKSON, POLICE SERVICES ADMINISTRATOR
TITLE: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PUBLIC SAFETY CADETS RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Public Safety Cadets.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with Public Safety Cadets, a Commonwealth of Virginia Nonstock, Nonprofit, Corporation.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Salinas Police Department has had a Youth Explorer/Cadet program since the 1960’s, and are now transitioning to a new partnership organization, Public Safety Cadets. The Department is requesting approval to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with Public Safety Cadets, a Commonwealth of Virginia Nonstock, Nonprofit, Corporation, to provide governance, guidance, and standard operating procedures to assist the Salinas Police Department in the operations of the Salinas Police Cadet Program.
BACKGROUND:
The Salinas Police Department has had a youth Explorer program since the 1960’s. The program has historically been called the Police Explorer Program and functioned as a Post under an agreement with the Boy Scouts of America. In 2018 a new non-profit organization, Public Safety Cadets, was founded and the Salinas Police Department is transitioning to this partnership organization. The Public Safety Cadets will provide governance, guidance, and standard operating procedures to assist the Salinas Police Department. Public Safety Cadets also provide general liability and accident medical insurance coverage related to participation in Public Safety Cadet activities. Annual unit registration cost is $20, and individual registration fees are $15 for each youth and mentor participant. Moving forward the program will be known as the Salinas Police Department Cadet Program.
The Cadet Program is a hands-on program for eligible youth ages 14 through 20 (until age 21) and provides an opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement or a related field. The program mentors young adults to serve their communities by providing knowledge, skills and practical experiences through education and training delivered by public safety professionals that develops character, physical fitness, and respect for the rule of law and human and civil rights. The objectives of the Cadet Program are to provide an opportunity for Cadets to perform community service, gain practical experience, develop leadership skills, and to participate in career skills competitions and team building recreational activities. The goal is to help prepare Cadets to become better citizens and community members through character development and good citizenship. The Cadet Program has dedicated mentors who will provide guidance to the youth participants. Mentors consist of Police Department employees and volunteers, both sworn and civilian.
In 2022, the City of Salinas received a California Violence, Intervention, and Prevention (CalVIP) grant from the State of California’s Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). The Salinas Police Department is receiving a share of this grant to establish a Community Outreach and Engagement Unit, which will include youth services. The new Police Cadet Program is being administratively supported by this new unit. The Police Department looks forward to launching additional community and youth programming in the coming months.
The Salinas Police Department is asking City Council to approve a Resolution authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Public Safety Cadets organization.
POLICE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The April 2024 Police Community Advisory Committee (PCAC) meeting was canceled due to lack of quorum. The Acting Police Chief will discuss this Memorandum of Understanding with PCAC at the May 22, 2024 Meeting. The Committee will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments or concerns.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Approving the proposed Resolution will support the City Council’s Strategic Plan Goals of Public Safety and Effective and Culturally Responsive Government.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
The Police Department has and will continue to coordinate with the Legal Department on the Memorandum of Understanding during implementation.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
Annual Cadet Unit registration cost is $20, and individual registration fees are $15 for each youth and mentor participant. Funds are appropriated and available within the Police Department budget to support Police Cadet registrations and activities.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
MOU with Public Safety Cadets
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