M E M O R A N D U M
To: Honorable Mayor and Town Council
From: Rafael G. Casals, Town Manager
Date: January 18, 2017
Re: Fiscal Year 2017 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG): Town of Cutler Bay Safety Equipment Purchase
REQUESTTitle
A resolution of the mayor and town council of the town of cutler bay, florida, accepting AN edward byrne memorial justice assistance grant award; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION; AND PROVIDING FOR an effective date.
Body
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
Funding Source: FY17 Florida Department of Law Enforcement - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant
Project Title: Town of Cutler Bay Safety Equipment Purchase
Amount Awarded: $5,658 Match Required: $0
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education programs, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, crime victim and witness initiatives, and planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
On December 7, 2016, the Town submitted a grant application requesting funding on behalf of the Cutler Bay Policing Unit. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has allocated $5,658 for the Town of Cutler Bay for law enforcement services.
Funding will be used to purchase additional safety equipment for the Town’s Police Officers. The Town will purchase the following items and provide the following services;
1. Bayco Rechargeable Safety Light (20 units) - This flashlight/traffic safety light will increase the visibility of officers while directing traffic. For example, Officers will assist crossing guards in directing traffic and navigating access to the schools using the safety lights; monitor major infrastructure projects and road detours; and assist with traffic incidents/accidents along the busy US-1 commercial corridor.
2. LED Light Safety Vests (20 units) - The traffic safety vests can be worn over the standard issue vests provided by the County and will provide extra visibility to officers assigned to direct traffic in busy intersections. This will be especially helpful at night.
3. Night Vision Binocular (1) - The Town has seen an increase in vehicle burglaries. The binocular will allow officers to conduct surveillances while remaining hidden from site. These will also be helpful in situations in which there is a potential for violence and officers want to keep a safe distance in a low light environment. Finally, the Town is bordered by wetlands, mangroves and contains many lakes. In the event of a missing persons call, the Town will be able to quickly conduct the necessary searches without having to wait for officers to come from a neighboring department.
4. Ballistic Shield (1) - This is a bullet proof barrier that will protect officers when entering a space where there is a possible active shooter. At this time, the officers do not have access to a shield at the Town and will have to wait for backup support from a neighboring department or SWAT team from the Count. The time loss while waiting could result in loss of life that can be avoided by properly outfitting our officers.
5. Active Shooter Education - The officers will conduct two (2) Active Shooter Training Programs. One (1) will be held at the local mall, our Town’s largest employer. It will target all local businesses. The next training will be held in the community and will target residents. They will be able to see the equipment that the Town has and learn of tactics that they can use in an active shooter situation at home, work, school or in the neighborhood.
RECOMMENDATION
We recommend that the attached Resolution be adopted, authorizing the Town Manger to execute Fiscal Year 2017 FDLE - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $5,658.