STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: August 14, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) acceptance of additional funds from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) for the Catalytic Converter Grant (Grant No. 224-24-DPD0000) to provide a specialized proactive automobile theft program in the amount of $886,534.00 for the period September 1, 2023 through May 22, 2025; (2) increase of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $886,534.00 in the FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of additional funds in an amount not to exceed $886,534.00 in the FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund; and (4) execution of the award with MVCPA and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $886,534.00 from $872,650.00 to $1,759,184.00 - Financing: FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The Dallas Police Department has been an MVCPA grantee for more than 20 years. The 88th legislative session enacted Senate Bill 224, which allows MVCPA recipients to apply for supplementary grants to combat vehicle theft offenses, notably catalytic converter thefts. On March 28, 2024, the MVCPA Board awarded the City of Dallas $1,759,184.00 for overtime, personnel expenses, equipment, and training. Due to the additional funds being provided, the grantor has extended the performance period to May 22, 2025.
The Dallas Police Auto Theft Task Force Unit received $239,400.00 in overtime, as well as $215,872.00 for equipment, which included two new marked police vehicles, ten new desktop bundles, and four laptop bundles. The City also received additional funds for three fully funded police officers' salaries and benefits, training and fleet expenses. With the funded positions, we will require three new grant position numbers. Also, receiving this supplemental grant, the Auto Theft Task Force will work with the City Attorney’s Office and the Department of Code Compliance to identify and demolish illicit crushing yards, which are responsible for numerous auto thefts and the unlawful acquisition of catalytic converters throughout the city. These areas are also significant sources of pollution, contaminating the water supply and land use. This funding will also enable the task force to expand other operations targeting catalytic converter and auto thefts.
In which, these operations can include bait cars, surveillance, arresting offenders, and traffic stops on suspects. A portion of these operations will be in our high crime areas outlined by our violent crime task force.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 8. 2024, the City Council authorized the acceptance of the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) for the Catalytic Converter Grant to provide specialized proactive automobile theft program for the period September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024; add three new grant position numbers for police officers; and execution of the grant agreement by Resolution No. 24-0676.
The Public Safety Committee will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on August 12, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund |
$886,534.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |