Staff recommends that City Council accept the 2023 Domestic Violence Grant in the amount of $59,581.50 and authorize the Chief to sign all required grant material.  

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 22nd year.  The amount for this grant totals $59,581.50. This grant provides funding for overtime, training, and supplies related to fulfilling the need for intense investigation of 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, as well as other supplies and training needed.  

City Council may:

• Approve the Domestic Violence Grant Award in the Amount of $59,581.50; or,
• Not Approve the Domestic Violence Grant Award in the Amount of $59,581.50, which would reduce specialized warrant roundups and overtime work for police officers investigating these crimes.  

The Billings Police Department has two officers assigned as Domestic Violence Investigators.  These grant funds will finance additional support for training and overtime as well as some supplies.