STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: May 8, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Jon Fortune
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) for the Catalytic Converter Grant (Grant No. 224-24-DPD0000) in the amount of $872,650.00 to provide a specialized proactive automobile theft program for the period September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $872,650.00 in the FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $872,650.00 in the FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund; (4) add three new grant position numbers for police officers; and (5) execution of the grant award with MVCPA and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the grant agreement - Not to exceed $872,650.00 - Financing: FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund
Body
BACKGROUND
The Dallas Police Department has been a 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 rewarded the City of Dallas $872,650.00 for overtime, personnel expenses, equipment, and training.
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 Code Compliance Office 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)
The Public Safety Committee will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on May 3, 2024. This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
FY24 MVCPA-Catalytic Converter Grant Fund |
$872,650.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |