The Billings Police Department has been offered a sub-grant for Domestic Violence (DV) training and continuation of the "Domestic Violence Investigator" program for the 15th year.  The amount for this grant totals $19,022.  The goals of this grant are to provide funding for overtime, training and supplies related to fulfilling the need for more intense investigation in domestic violence cases. 

The domestic violence investigator, prosecutor and victim-witness specialist plan to attend a national conference to stay current on investigative techniques involving domestic violence issues.  The grant also funds the DV Investigator's JustWare license and cell phone plan.

City Council may:

• Approve the Domestic Violence Grant Award in the Amount of $19,022, or;
• Disapprove the Domestic Violence Grant Award, which would reduce specialized warrant round-ups and overtime work for police officers investigating these crimes.

The Billings Police Department has one officer assigned as the Domestic Violence Investigator.  These grant funds will finance the additional supporting costs for training and overtime as well as some supplies.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the 2016 Domestic Violence Grant in the amount of $19,022 and authorize the Mayor to sign all required grant material.