DEPARTMENT: Police
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT:
Briefing on Texas Anti-Gang Initiative (TAG)
SUMMARY:
This memo is to brief Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Services Committee on the Police Department’s Research and Planning efforts to initiate an Anti-Gang Task Force in San Antonio, at the request of the Office of the Governor.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The San Antonio Police Department was chosen by the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) to apply for an invitation-only grant opportunity to initiate and establish a multi-agency task force in San Antonio to combat gang activity in the area. The grant would be similar to the HIDTA concept in that the program would be a working group/task force that includes Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. The objective is to provide a central point for investigative and operation coordination and de-confliction for gang activity.
The grant request would be approximately $1.6 million depending upon fund availability, and the initial grant period would be for approximately 18 months. The funds are expected to be available upon completion of the grant application. While the grant is currently scheduled for 18 months, the Governor’s Office has indicated that there is an expectation of funds continuing beyond the initial grant cycle. There has also been discussion with CJD regarding future funding in subsequent years.
As the fiscal agent for the grant, SAPD would hire a program director and administrative assistant, which would be funded through the grant. SAPD has also been seeking appropriate office space for leasing. Staff has narrowed the search to three prospective facilities; preliminary leasing proposals have been requested and are expected within the next week. Each of these buildings meets accommodation requirements or can be made to meet requirements with minimal finish out. Each would be “move-in” ready five months from proposal acceptance.
This program is being modeled after a successful program already in operation in Houston. Members of SAPD’s Research and Planning Unit have consulted with members of that program and determined the strengths and limitations. Staff has also worked to assure that this program will build on the strengths and modify the areas which can be improved upon. The Office of the Governor expresses considerable confidence in the ability of the San Antonio Police Department to establish this program and build it into a self-sustaining project.
Based on initial commitments there are ten agencies (including SAPD) committing approximately 84 personnel to the program. It is expected that the program will eventually include over 15 agencies and upwards of 120 personnel.
ISSUE:
The San Antonio Police Department has been requested by the Office of the Governor to initiate a multi-agency task force to combat gang activity in the area. The CJD is offering approximately $1.6 million to offset costs of establishing this task force. Several agencies have already expressed interest in participating in this task force and have offered personnel for the program.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City could decline the invitation from the Office of the Governor to apply for this grant and continue operating as it is currently conducting anti gang enforcement efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact foreseen with this program. The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division has committed to funding this program in future years.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City of San Antonio move forward in preparing and submitting this grant proposal and coordinating with other agencies to reduce gang violence in this area.