February 7, 2006
SUBJECT: CONTINUATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL LAW
ENFORCEMENT FUNDING
REPORT IN BRIEF
The State Legislature has appropriated $2.9 million to Santa Clara County law enforcement agencies for supplemental police funding for FY 2006/2007. This is a continuation of the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services funding program (SLES) that was provided in FY 1996/1997 via Assembly Bill 3229 (AB 3229). Using a formula based on population, Sunnyvale has received a check for $192,027. This report, as required by the legislature, specifies Sunnyvale's front line municipal police services needs, and makes a request for the supplemental personnel, equipment, and programs necessary to meet those needs. To utilize this grant funding, the City Council must consider a written request each year and accept existing or anticipated monies from the County. Although the State intends this funding to be on-going, fluctuations in the State budget could cause the amount of annual appropriations to fluctuate accordingly.
Staff recommends Council approve Alternative 1, appropriation of the full amount available from SLES to the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Sub-Fund in order to continue to fund the supplemental police services approved by Council.
BACKGROUND
In September 1996, Council approved the establishment of the Police Services Augmentation Fund and the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Sub-Fund.
The supplemental law enforcement services funds were approved by Council in FY 1999/2000 to be used to fund a Patrol Team Captain and partial expense associated with two Internal Affairs Investigators.
Since 2001, Council has maintained that the supplemental law enforcement services funds continue to be used in support of a Patrol Team Captain. However, due to the continual decline of funding and increased personnel costs, the funds no longer support partial expenses for two Internal Affairs Investigators and fall short of fully funding the Patrol Team Captain.
EXISTING POLICY
Policy 4.1D.2: Provide effective and efficient management of Public Safety resources.
DISCUSSION
In order to be eligible for the funding the City Council must consider these written requests each year and appropriate existing or anticipated monies from the County.
Written Requests for Supplemental Law Enforcement Needs
The Director of Public Safety has reviewed the Department of Public Safety Outcomes and, as required by law, requests the continued application of SLES supplemental funding, to support a full-time Patrol Team Captain in Patrol Operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
The anticipated SLES funding award amount of $193,370 was included in the FY 2004/2005 approved budget. The actual grant award of $192,027 creates a funding differential of $1,343 from the planned amount. This small difference will be absorbed by the Department of Public Safety.
Please note that continuation of the Public Safety Captain position is contingent upon funds being appropriated each year by the state and federal governments. Any substantial further decrease in these revenues would result in a proportionate decrease in services and expenditures, absent the identification of other funding sources.
Conclusion
The oversight provided by the Captain position funded with these monies provides necessary support for the daily operations of Patrol Operations. Staff encourages Council to continue to direct these monies to this effort. Failure to approve appropriations for supplemental law enforcement services within sixty days of this public hearing will result in the City being ineligible to receive the State funds.
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, publication of the Council agenda in the San Jose Mercury News, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Appropriate the full amount available from SLES into the City’s Supplemental Law Enforcement Sub-Fund.
2. Appropriate for some other purpose as directed by Council.
3. Do not approve the appropriation.
4. Direct staff to conduct further study.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1.
Reviewed by:
Don Johnson, Director, Public Safety
Prepared by: Heather Tannehill, Manager
Reviewed by:
Mary J. Bradley, Director, Finance
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager