Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Coconino County Sheriff's Office for the Fiscal Year 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant in the amount of $8,352.00 for the County to utilize for the purpose of Law Enforcement Programs. JAG funds will be used to purchase less-lethal equipment necessary to outfit Sheriff’s deputies and support the goals of this program. Less-lethal tools provide deputies with effective alternatives to deadly force, enabling them to safely incapacitate suspects while reducing the risk of fatalities and minimizing injuries to officers, suspects, and bystanders. This investment supports safer outcomes, enhances de-escalation capabilities, and strengthens overall community safety.

Given the county's vast, rugged terrain and remote communities, providing deputies with less-lethal equipment is critical. It can help de-escalate dangerous situations, reduce the likelihood of fatal outcomes, and speed up incident resolution. This, in turn, conserves valuable resources and mitigates operational risks, ensuring more effective law enforcement in challenging environments.

The grant application and Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) aim to strengthen public safety by enhancing crime prevention and control efforts through increased funding and resource-sharing between the Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Sheriff's Office. This collaboration fosters more efficient and effective responses to community needs while expanding resources for victim assistance to ensure timely and adequate support. Additionally, the agreement promotes transparency and accountability by keeping the Council and public informed about the grant's application, objectives, and outcomes, reinforcing trust in law enforcement practices. By aligning funding with strategic priorities, this initiative delivers long-term community benefits, enhancing justice administration and building a safer, more resilient community.

Connection to Council Goal, Regional Plan and/or Team Flagstaff Strategic Plan:
The grant application and Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) align with the Flagstaff Regional Plan Policy PF.3.1, which emphasizes maintaining high-quality, effective, and efficient law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. This policy underscores the importance of balancing public safety services with operational goals, government plans, policies, population needs, and available funding.

By leveraging Fiscal Year 2025 grant funds, the IGA directly supports this policy by ensuring that both the Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office have the resources necessary to deliver enhanced public safety services. The collaborative approach allows the agencies to optimize their effectiveness through shared resources and coordinated efforts, ensuring alignment with population demands and regional public safety goals. Furthermore, the transparent use of these funds reflects a commitment to sound fiscal management, ensuring that services remain sustainable and in line with public policies and budgetary limitations. This grant initiative strengthens the region’s ability to meet evolving public safety needs while upholding the policy’s focus on quality and efficiency.

Yes - Council approved the previous Intergovernmental Agreement to benefit from the Fiscal Year 2025 JAG grant.

-Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and County.
-Not approve the IGA between the City and County.

The U.S Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), was created in 1984 to provide federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist crime victims. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant (LLEBG) Programs to provide agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and spend funds where they are most needed. The formula calculates direct allocations for local governments within each state, based on their share of the total violent crime reported with the state.

The JAG formula program provides agencies with the flexibility to prioritize and place justice funds where they are needed most. The formula calculates direct allocations for local governments within each state, based on their share of the total violent crime reported with the state. The City has been certified as disparate and must submit a joint application for the aggregate of funds allocated. The JAG disparate jurisdictions are certified by the Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), based in part on input from the state's Attorney General. The disparate allocation occurs when the city is scheduled to received one- and one-half times more than the County, while the County bears more than 50% of the costs of prosecution of incarceration that arise for Part 1 violent crimes committed in the city.

City funds will be used to purchase less lethal equipment such as conducted energy devices, impact munitions, chemical agents, and related consumable supplies. Funding will also support replacement cartridges, maintenance, and necessary accessories to ensure readiness and reliability. These resources will allow the department to standardize equipment availability, reduce gaps in coverage, and ensure officers have immediate access to appropriate tools in critical moments.

The anticipated outcomes of this project include:
• Increased use of de-escalation tactics supported by less lethal options
• Reduction in use-of-force incidents resulting in serious injury
• Enhanced officer confidence and decision-making during high-risk encounters
• Improved community trust through demonstrated commitment to proportional response

This funding aligns with the department’s commitment to a Safe and Healthy Community by promoting safer interactions between officers and the public. It also supports ongoing efforts to incorporate best practices in policing, reduce risk, and ensure accountability in the use of force.

The grant application and Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) align with the Flagstaff Regional Plan Policy PF.3.1, which emphasizes maintaining high-quality, effective, and efficient law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. This policy underscores the importance of balancing public safety services with operational goals, government plans, policies, population needs, and available funding.

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