DEPARTMENT: Police Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: William P. McManus, Chief of Police
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
An ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application and acceptance of funds upon award for the implementation and continuation of the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Program, not to exceed $2,000,000, from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) and authorizing a personnel compliment of one (1) new grant funded Administrative Assistant II.
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the submission of a grant application and acceptance of funds upon award, not to exceed $2,000,000, from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) for the implementation and continuation of the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Program to establish a multi-agency TAG Task Force Center in San Antonio.
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 program is similar to the HIDTA concept in that the program would create 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 of investigations of gang activity and increase officer safety by not compromising an active investigation or targeting an undercover officer.
The first cycle of funding, consisted of $1,968,032 and covered the period of March 1, 2016 through August 31, 2017. During the first grant cycle the SAPD; facilitated the forming of an advisory board with the 10 participating agencies; entered into a Local Administrative Agreement with the participating agencies (FBI, DEA, ATF, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Bexar District Attorney, Homeland Security, DPS, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas office of the Inspector General, and the U.S. Marshals Service); completed an RFP process for office space/facility to be leased; Completed the space planning, office layout, IT construction plan and office furniture purchase order; and advertised and selected a TAG Administrator. Currently the SAPD is working on completing the Request for Council Action (RFCA) to execute the lease agreement for the TAG facility and a RFCA to enter into a professional services agreement for the TAG Administrator.
The grant request for the second cycle of funding would be for and amount not to exceed $2,000,000 with the continuation grant period being for twelve (12) months from September 1, 2017 through August 31, 2018, and with an extension to run from September 1, 2018 through August 31st 2019. Funding will be split between the two years to coincide with the state fiscal years. Funding for FY18 would be approximately $1,000,000 and funding for FY19 would be approximately $1,000,000.
The grant program will add one (1) grant funded Administrative Assistant II to support the Program Administrator.
The funds are expected to be available on September 1, 2017. This will be the second cycle of funding for the San Antonio TAG project. The Governor’s Office has indicated that there is an expectation of funds continuing beyond the second grant cycle. There has also been discussion with CJD regarding future funding in subsequent years.
This program is being modeled after a successful program already in operation in Houston, North Richland Hills, and El Paso, Texas. Members of the SAPD’s Research and Planning Unit have worked closely with members of the Houston TAG 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 eleven agencies (including SAPD) committing approximately 95 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 continue to implement a multi-agency task force to combat gang activity in the area. The CJD is offering up to $2,000,000 to offset costs of continuing this task force. Several agencies have already expressed interest in participating in this task force and have offered personnel for the program.
ALTERNATIVES:
To not apply for the grant and continue operations as they are currently conducted.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the submission of a grant application and acceptance of funds upon award for the implementation and continuation of the Texas Anti-Gang (TAG) Program, not to exceed $2,000,000, from the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division (CJD) and authorizes a personnel compliment of one (1) new grant funded Administrative Assistant II. There is no cash or in-kind match required for this grant.
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.