STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: December 13, 2023
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Jon Fortune
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division for State of Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Grant (Grant No. 2745110) in the amount of $303,159.40 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, 2023 through August 31, 2024; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $303,159.40 in the State Internet Crimes Against Children Grant FY24 Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of grant funds in an amount not to exceed $303,159.40 in the State Internet Crimes Against Children Grant FY24 Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $303,159.40 - Financing: Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division State Grant Funds
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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 State of 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 2023-24 State of Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Grant will provide $303,159.40 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 2023, staff assigned to this grant were able to investigate over 24,921 cybertips, conduct 196 forensic exams, and made approximately 18 felony arrests for charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On March 27, 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. 19-0444.
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.
The Public Safety Committee will be briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on December 11, 2023. <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcityofdallas.legistar.com%2FLegislationDetail.aspx%3FID%3D6449256%26GUID%3D6467D7A6-0198-4D08-B108-578FC9C38D45%26Options%3D%26Search%3D&data=05%7C02%7Cvhee.anastacio%40dallas.gov%7Cd4e4717a44f1480ed3ff08dbf85cf0de%7C2935709ec10c4809a302852d369f8700%7C0%7C0%7C638376850288883533%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LGswsQxXTdqWTle6vP9PmYpOholXAugIFUeGR5R2YHk%3D&reserved=0>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division State Grant Funds |
$303,159.40 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |