In May 2026, the City of Schertz Police Department applied for the Fiscal Year 2027 Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) grant.  The organization and grant targets crimes affecting motor vehicles, such as vehicle theft, vehicle burglaries, and catalytic converter thefts.  In July 2026, staff members from the Schertz Police Department presented supporting information in front of the MVCPA grant board and were ultimately awarded the department the requested funds.  Permission to apply for the grant was adopted under Resolution 26-R-058 in May 2026.  Funds for the grant will support continued funding for ALPR cameras and to start a Drone As First Responder Program.  

The goal of the grant is to support continued funding for mitigation of motor vehicle related crimes and to assist in other crimes in the City of Schertz. 

ALPR cameras are designed to capture license plate numbers and vehicle details to assist in investigations.  The ALPR system can provide real-time data and alerts on multiple types of crimes, wanted subjects, and missing subjects, and better assist law enforcement case investigation.  The program utilizes installed cameras around strategic locations to capture public data and covers a wide variety of areas, including main thoroughfairs and residential streets. 

The Schertz Police Department recommends approval to accept the grant award. 

The Flock Camera system will be maintained with the amount of $124,920, of which $20,820 will be paid by the City and the remaining amount reimbursable by the granting agency.  The Drone As First Responder Program has not entered the contract phase, and no vendor has been selected. The funds allocated for the DFR Program are $247,078, of which $41,180 will be paid by the City and the remaining amount reimbursable by the granting agency.  The total funding required is $371,998, $309,998 grant award and $62,000 city funds from the existing Police operating budget. 

The Schertz Police Department recommends approval to accept the grant award.