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TO:

Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council

FROM:

Dean Smith, Police Chief

DATE:

October 8, 2024

SUBJECT:

Res 24-535 Authorize Application for Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

BACKGROUND

The Oshkosh Police Department has been notified that it is eligible to receive a federal grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. Program guidelines require that the application be available for review by the governing body of the unit of local government prior to submitting the application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Grant fund eligibility to local governments and allocation amounts are determined by a formula based on the share of total violent crime reported within the state and the City of Oshkosh, as indicated in the annual Uniform Crime Report (UCR) that we are required to submit monthly. The grant can be used to purchase equipment or fund programs needed to support public safety services and operations. The JAG grant application deadline is October 22, 2024.

The eligible allocation to the Oshkosh Police Department under the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG Grant is $19,691. The Oshkosh Police Department is the only eligible law enforcement agency in Winnebago County to receive the grant, which creates a disparate allocation of funds requiring a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed with Winnebago County officials indicating how the grant will be utilized. However, because both agencies have operational needs, this grant shall be shared with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. The Oshkosh Police Department will serve as the fiscal agent for this grant.

ANALYSIS

The Oshkosh Police Department consistently assesses the equipment issued to its officers. Assessments involve identifying when the recommended lifespan of safety equipment has expired. Patrol officers utilize ballistic helmets to protect them in high-risk situations that could pose a threat to their safety. Some helmets currently issued to officers have reached the end of its lifespan of five years. The department must also replace expired gas canisters supplied to officers. It is essential that helmets and gas canisters are replaced timely to instill confidence in the equipment provided to officers, enabling officers to effectively manage high-risk situations. Additionally, the department is also looking to purchase investigative equipment to aid in drug crime investigations.

A Memorandum of Understanding has been established with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, requesting funds to purchase equipment that they have identified as a need for their agency.

FISCAL IMPACT

There will be no impact to the Oshkosh Police Department operating budget. If the grant application is awarded, grant funds will be accepted into A/N# 02150211-4626-02173 and purchases will be charged to A/N# 02150211-6529-02173 and 02150211-6550-02173.

RECOMMENDATION

If approved, the department intends to apply for the grant as allocated and purchase the equipment indicated in this memo within the established grant timelines.

Attachments

Res 24-535