December 14, 2004

SUBJECT:      Acceptance of the California Office of Traffic Safety - Sobriety Checkpoint Program Grant for Local Law Enforcement Agencies II and Budget Modification #16

REPORT IN BRIEF

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety has been selected to receive $16,710 as part of the California Traffic Safety Sobriety Checkpoint Program for Local Law Enforcement Agencies.  This overtime grant will provide funding to conduct sobriety checkpoints during a fifteen-month period that encompasses three “You Drink & Drive. You Lose” California and national mobilization periods.

Staff recommends that Council authorize Budget Modification No.16 to accept funding from the California Traffic Safety Sobriety Checkpoint Program for Local Law Enforcement Agencies which will be budgeted into a special project.

BACKGROUND

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is a state agency charged with reducing fatalities, injuries and economic losses resulting from the operation of motor vehicles.  The Sobriety Checkpoint Program for Local Law Enforcement Agencies II is designed to reduce the number of people killed in alcohol-involved crashes in 2005 through the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies, California Highway Patrol and OTS.  This statewide mini-grant program for local law enforcement agencies builds upon the success of the most recent statewide sobriety checkpoint program.

EXISTING POLICY

4.1 Law Enforcement Sub-Element

Goal 4.1A: Provide a safe and secure environment for people and property in the community.

Policy 4.1A.5: Facilitate the safe movement of pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.

Action Statement 4.1A.5g: Participate in activities that enhance the successful detection, apprehension, rehabilitation and prevention of persons driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

Action Statement 4.1A5h: Participate in prevention and enforcement activities directed at minimizing personal injury in traffic collisions.

DISCUSSION

The OTS is offering local law enforcement agencies overtime grants to conduct sobriety checkpoints during a fifteen-month period (12/1/04 – 1/10/06). This time period encompasses three California and national mobilization periods:

·         The holiday period in December 2004/January  

     2005

·         The Labor Day period in August 2005/September

     2005

·         The holiday period in December 2005/January

     2006

Sobriety checkpoints are an effective way to maximize the deterrent effect and increase the perception of apprehension of motorists who would operate a vehicle while impaired.  Studies conducted in California and other states indicate that cities conducing frequent sobriety checkpoints report significant reductions in alcohol-involved crashes.  Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board state that sobriety checkpoints are one of the most effective Driving While Under the Influence (DUI) countermeasures available to law enforcement agencies.

In applying for the grant, the Department of Public Safety anticipates conducting three checkpoints during the above time periods.  Developing and implementing these checkpoints will complement the Department’s ongoing efforts in traffic enforcement and public education.    

FISCAL IMPACT

Council approval of Budget Modification #16 will appropriate $16,710 in grant funding to a special project.  This project will be fully funded by the OTS Sobriety Checkpoint Program Grant for Local Law Enforcement Agencies and will track overtime costs associated with conducting three sobriety checkpoints and the reimbursement of costs with grant funds.  There will be no fiscal impact to the City. 

BUDGET MODIFICATION No. 16

FY 2004/2005

Conclusion

Acceptance of this grant funding will supplement the Department of Public Safety’s prevention and enforcement activities that emphasize the detection, apprehension, rehabilitation and prevention of persons driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs.

PUBLIC CONTACT

Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City’s web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and Office of the City Clerk.

ALTERNATIVES

1.      Council approves Budget Modification No. 16 to accept the Office of Traffic Safety - Sobriety Checkpoint Program Grant for Local Law Enforcement Agencies in the amount of $16,710 and directs staff to appropriate funds in a special project to track both expenditures and reimbursement of costs.

2.      Council does not approve Budget Modification No. 16 and declines the Office of Traffic Safety - Sobriety Checkpoint Program Grant for Local Law Enforcement Agencies in the amount of $16,710.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that Council approve Alternative #1.

Reviewed by:

Patrick Dwyer, Interim Director of Public Safety

Prepared by: Katherine Chappelear, Senior Management Analyst

Mary Bradley, Director of Finance

Approved by:

Amy Chan

City Manager