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CONSENT CALENDAR
City of San Bernardino
Request for Council Action
Date: June 5, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
From: Rochelle Clayton, Acting City Manager;
Darren Goodman, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Subject: Authorize the Acceptance, Obligation, and
Expenditure of the Allocated Citizens’ Option for
Public Safety (COPS) (All Wards)
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No 2024-134:
1. Authorizing the acceptance of the FY 2023/24 Citizens' Option for Public Safety (COPS) funds.
2. Authorizing the Director of Finance & Management Services to amend the operating budget by $341,808.27 in both revenue and expenses.
3. Authorizing the Police Department to encumber and expend the allocated Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) funds for FY 2023/24.
Executive Summary
The Department requests obligation and expenditure of COPS funds to purchase an armored vehicle, ballistic helmets, and overtime for data-driven crime prevention programs. The Department will follow all established purchasing procedures and return to the council for approval as required.
Background
The Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) program (AB 3229) provides funding exclusively to support front-line law enforcement. The money must supplement existing services and be used in accordance with written request by the Chief of Police or Chief Administrator of the law enforcement agency that provides services for the City. The City accepted $300,000 of COPS funding for fiscal year 23/24 through the budget adoption. The actual amount of COPS funding granted to the City for fiscal year 23/24 is $641,808.27. The funds must be expended or encumbered by June 30th. 2 1
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Discussion
After assessing needs, the Department believes the following items are critical to supporting front-line law enforcement services:
1. Armored Personnel Carrier - $385,000.00
2. Equipment and overtime to support data-driven crime suppression programs - $256,808.27
Armored Personnel Carriers/Rescue vehicles can be beneficial for police departments for several reasons:
1. Enhanced Safety: Armored personnel carriers/rescue vehicles provide a higher level of protection for officers during high-risk situations, such as dealing with armed suspects, hostage situations, or terrorist threats. They are designed to withstand gunfire and other types of attacks, helping to reduce casualties among law enforcement personnel.
2. Effective Response: These vehicles enable police to approach dangerous scenes more closely and securely, which can be crucial in resolving situations quickly and safely. This capability is especially important during active shooter incidents or when officers need to evacuate civilians from a danger zone.
3. Tactical Advantage: Armored personnel carriers/rescue vehicles can offer tactical advantages in terms of mobility and the ability to control larger areas. They can be used to establish perimeters, control crowds, and provide a mobile shield for officers as they perform their duties in potentially hazardous environments.
4. Rescue Operations: In addition to tactical law enforcement operations, these vehicles can be vital in rescue operations during natural disasters like floods and large- scale fires. Their robust build allows them to navigate through debris and flooded areas, rescuing stranded individuals and delivering emergency supplies.
5. Deterrent Effect: The mere presence of an armored vehicle can act as a deterrent to criminal activity. It signals a serious law enforcement response and can help to prevent escalation during volatile situations.
6. Multi-purpose Use: Many armored vehicles are equipped with additional features like communication equipment, which can be used in a variety of scenarios, from natural disaster response to large-scale public events, enhancing overall public safety infrastructure.
The Department requests the remaining funds to be encumbered to purchase equipment and overtime to support data-driven crime suppression details throughout the summer. These programs include crime impact patrols and youth intervention 2 1
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programs.
The Department will follow the appropriate purchasing procedures. All items that require further authorization will be returned to the council for approval. 2021-2025 Strategic Targets and Goals
The request to encumber the COPS funds aligns with Goal No. 3: Improved Quality of Life - Evaluate and enhance the quality of public safety services.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. Revenues and expenditures will be amended in FY 2023/24 Operating Budget by $341,808.27.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council of the City of San Bernardino, California, adopt Resolution No 2024-134:
1. Authorizing the acceptance of the FY 2023/24 Citizens' Option for Public Safety (COPS) funds.
2. Authorizing the Director of Finance & Management Services to amend the operating budget by $341,808.27 in both revenue and expenses.
3. Authorizing the Police Department to encumber and expend the allocated Citizens’ Option for Public Safety (COPS) funds for FY 2023/24.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Resolution No. 2024-134
Ward: All
Synopsis of Previous Council Actions:
June 21, 2023Mayor and City Council adopted Resolution 2023-080 Approving the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Operating Budget including projected COPS funds.