STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: December 11, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the Texas Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) for the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Grant (Grant No. 2745111) in the amount of $284,969.84 to provide for one-year funding for the salaries and fringe benefits of two detectives and one police research specialist, to fund training, direct operating expenses and use of overtime to address the growing problem of technology-facilitated child abuse and exploitation for the period September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $284,969.84 in the CJD FY25 Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $284,969.84 in the CJD FY25 Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement with CJD and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $284,969.84 - Financing: CJD FY25 Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
Increases in internet-based crimes against children continue to be a serious concern across the nation and within the city of Dallas. These offenses pertain to children ranging in age from newborn to 17 years old who are victims of internet and/or technology facilitated crimes. The North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children grant allows the City to supplement current efforts by funding staff to investigate and research these crimes. The grant funded positions are part of a larger team working together to solve and eliminate internet crimes and trafficking against children.
The 2024-25 the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Grant will provide $284,969.84 to enhance the response of the Dallas Crimes Against Children Task Force in the area of prevention, investigation, and prosecution of computer-facilitated systems and other technology. Staff are responsible for the investigation of cybertips originating at National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, cell phone forensics, computer and electronic device preview and evidence analysis, suspect and witness interviews, surveillance operations, arrests, and other critical tasks. In FY 2024, staff assigned to this grant were able to investigate over 29,682 cybertips, conduct 541 forensic exams, and made approximately 25 felony arrests for charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On November 13, 2019, the City Council authorized the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for response to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated by the use of computer technology; and execution of a grant agreement by Resolution No. 19-1793.
On December 9, 2020, the City Council authorized the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for response to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated by the use of computer technology; and execution of a grant agreement by Resolution No. 20-1925.
On December 8, 2021, the City Council authorized the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for response to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated by the use of computer technology; and execution of a grant agreement by Resolution No. 21-2000.
On December 14, 2022, the City Council authorized the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for response to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated by the use of computer technology; and execution of a grant agreement by Resolution No. 22-1807.
On December 13, 2023 the City Council authorized the application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division, for response to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated by the use of computer technology; and execution of a grant agreement by Resolution No. 23-1695.
The Public Safety Committee will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on December 9, 2024.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2025 |
FY 2026 |
Future Years |
|
CJD FY25 Internet Crimes Against Children Grant Fund |
$284,969.84 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |