REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL June 19, 2014 FROM: JERRY P. DYER, Chief of Police Police Department BY: RANDY DOBBINS, Captain Police Department SUBJECT ..Title Authorize the renewal of an agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno and the City of Fresno via the Fresno Police Department for the HUD Funding Grant Program. ..Body RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that Council authorize the renewal of an agreement between the Housing Authority of the City of Fresno and the City of Fresno through its Police Department for the HUD Funding Grant Program and authorize the Chief of Police to execute the agreement and required program documents for the HUD Grant Program. The agreement will continue through June 30, 2015. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Housing Authority of the City of Fresno ("Housing Authority") has made funding available for two (2) Sworn Officers at various low-income housing complexes. Funding under this project provides a maximum of $263,400 for 12 months of personnel costs and supplies. These funds are included in the FY 2015 budget. As a requirement for these funds, an agreement has been established by and between the City of Fresno through its Police Department and the Housing Authority to provide two (2) Sworn Officers at the Housing Authority's housing complexes located in southwest and southeast Fresno as follows: Sequoia Courts, Sierra Plaza, Fairview Heights Terrace, Sequoia Courts Terrace, Sierra Terrace, Yosemite Village, DeSoto Gardens 1, DeSoto Gardens 2, Cedar Courts, Cedar Courts II, Monte Vista, Viking Village, and Inyo Terrace. BACKGROUND The agreement details the project activities, which includes the provision of law enforcement services and criminal background checks for the purpose of screening prospective residents and prospective/current Housing Authority staff in exchange for grant funding. The Housing Authority agrees to pay the full sum, on a quarterly basis, through the term of the agreement. Council approval is needed to authorize renewal of the contract for services. Since the mid-90's, the Fresno Police Department has received funding from the Housing Authority to enhance local law enforcement capabilities through Community Oriented Policing techniques, specifically targeting public housing. Community policing calls for greater citizen responsibility and creates opportunity for residents in public housing areas to contribute to public safety in and around their neighborhoods. At the same time, community policing enhances police professionalism by giving officers the skills, technology, and motivation to develop innovative solutions for crime-related community problems. The Housing Authority and the Fresno Police Department continue to work together to improve the quality of life for public housing communities. Many studies indicate a police presence and active enforcement play pivotal roles in the reduction of violent crime and an improved feeling of safety within the community. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS N/A LOCAL PREFERENCE N/A FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. Police personnel costs will be paid through this agreement with the Housing Authority under the HUD Capital Funding Grant. Attachment: Agreement KF:rd 05/6/2013 TNP:ns [64948ns/tnp]