Approval to apply for, and subsequently accept if awarded, funding from The Office of the Florida Attorney General for Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA) grant in the amount of $147,837.52 for FY 2019-20.  

The Office of the Florida Attorney General makes funds available for Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA).  The Fort Pierce Police Department applied for and received funding in the past, most recently FY 2018/2019 awarded $74,052.  The Department proposes to request $147,837.52 for FY 2019/2020.  The proposed increase in funding will be utilized to hire an additional Victim Assistant and provide the office equipment needed to support the position and services provided to crime victims in the City of Fort Pierce. A match of 20% is required and existing staff time will be utilized as in-kind match, no cash match is required.   

Staff recommends Board approval for submission of an application for funding, and subsequent acceptance, from the Office of the Florida Attorney General for Victims of Crime Assistance (VOCA).  

The Board does not provide approval for submission of an application for, and acceptance of, funding for Victim of Crime Assistance Funds and salaries and ancillary needs of the two Victim Assistant positions will be required to be paid from the General Fund in lieu of grant funding.

Anita Cocoves, Grant Coordinator, Fort Pierce Police Department

Fort Pierce Police Department staff and Finance Department staff.