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HomeMy WebLinkAbout _ 4.9(a)--Department of Justice Assistance Grant CITY OF REDDING REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL Recommendation Authorize and ratify the submission of an application to the U.S. Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program in the amount of $49,198 to fund the purchase of tactical rifles and slings; and authorize the City Manager to sign the grant application's certifications and assurances signifying that the governing body was notified of the application and citizens were provided the opportunity to comment on the application. Fiscal Impact The U.S. Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program provides supplemental funding to the Redding Police Department (RPD). There is no negative General Fund impact by applying for and accepting this grant funding. Alternative Action The City Council could choose not to approve the grant application. RPD would lose the opportunity to purchase needed equipment. Background/Analysis RPD is scheduled to receive funding from the JAG Program, a formula (block) grant through which RPD will be awarded $49,198. These funds are usually offered on an annual basis, but the amount and application deadlines vary from year-to-year. The grant application deadline was August 31, 2023, and the application has already been submitted online. Prior to the utilization of these funds, the City of Redding (City) must make the application available for review by the governing body and must allow an opportunity for comments from citizens. Attached is a Utilization Plan explaining how the funds will be expended. MEETING DATE: September 19, 2023 ITEM NO. 4.9(a) FROM: ***APPROVED BY*** bschueller@reddingpolice.org btippin@cityofredding.org SUBJECT: 4.9(a)--Affirm submission of an application for the U.S. Department of Justice 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to provide equipment for the Redding Police Department. Bill Schueller, Chief of Police Report to Redding City Council September 11, 2023 Re: 4.9(a)--Department of Justice Assistance Grant Page 2 RPD requests that the funds this year be used to purchase additional tactical rifles. At the end of 2022, with the scrutiny that the Defense Reutilization Marketing Office had come under, RPD decided to return 57 rifles to the federal government. These rifles were fairly old and while they functioned, they were very outdated. Rifles have become essential standard issue for law enforcement agencies in California and give officers the ability to respond to significant threats. While RPD over the last several years has purchased rifles, it is necessary to purchase additional rifles to ensure all officers who need them, have them. Currently, RPD has 84 rifles. It has been determined that of the 122 sworn positions, 112 should be issued rifles, leaving RPD short by 28. The $49,198 available in JAG Program funding will allow RPD to purchase an additional 34 rifles which will provide a few backup rifles. Environmental Review Obtaining the grant is not defined under the California Environmental Quality Act, and no further action is required. Council Priority/City Manager Goals • Public Safety – “Work to improve all aspects of public safety to help people feel secure and safe where they live, work, and play in the City of Redding.” Attachments ^Redding Police Department Proposal Narrative JAG 2023 Redding Police Department   Proposal Narrative   The Redding Police Department (RPD) will use its $49,198 JAG allocation to purchase tactical rifles and slings. RPD had 57 Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (DRMO) rifles that were returned at the end of 2022. These rifles were fairly old and while they functioned, they were very outdated. The DRMO Program had come under scrutiny over the past few years and many law enforcement agencies are returning their military/DRMO equipment. When RPD returned the military rifles, they were able to purchase 60 tactical rifles and slings which brought the current rifle count to 84. RPD currently has 122 sworn positions and of this number, it has been determined that 112 should be issued rifles, leaving the Department short 28 rifles. To address this, RPD’s JAG allocation of $49,198 will be used to purchase an additional 34 rifles and slings allowing to issue rifles to all officers in need of them and provide a few backup rifles. Rifles are now essential standard issue for law enforcement agencies in California and they give officer the ability to respond to significant threats. They are more accurate than handguns, have better ballistic capabilities and round capacity. They are critical for active shooter responses and potential mass shooting incidents. Response to Mass Casualty and Active Shooter Threats- In 1997, the infamous North Hollywood Bank of America robbery and shootout created a calling for law enforcement to have more firepower and protection on patrol. There are numerous arguments for officers being issued JAG 2023 Redding Police Department   and carrying AR platform/style rifles in their vehicles. Over the past decade there have been numerous tragic mass shootings at schools and businesses. Law enforcement has adapted their response to these incidents, now knowing that patrol can no longer wait for a SWAT Team to arrive. Active shooter tactics have changed and the first officers on scene are now being taught to advance and located shooters during mass casualty events and to stop the killing. A patrol rifle is a critical piece of this response to an active shooter. The Redding Police Department has trained 3 times in the last year in large scale active shooter scenarios. Rifles Outperform Handguns- Semi Automatic rifles fire at approximately 2400 to 3200 feet per second while handguns fire at 900 to 1100 feet per second. Rifles are far more precise and allow officers to take precision shots when necessary. This increases the likelihood that a suspect is hit with the round and lowers the risk of hitting an innocent bystander with a missed shot by an officer. Rifles also allow officers to shoot from far greater distances to protect themselves and end violent confrontations behind cover. This can end confrontations more quickly saving lives. In recent mass shootings, suspects were wearing body armor. Rifle rounds, unlike handgun rounds, have the ability to penetrate body armor. Rifles also bring the ability to carry up to 30 rounds in a magazine, giving an officer the advantage of firing multiple times in a gunfight before having to reload. Handguns require reloading more often with 15 round magazines. While it is unfortunate that it is necessary to arm all officers in this manner, providing rifles is necessary to protect the community and our officers. The use of JAG funds to equip the remaining sworn personnel fills a funding gap that has existed in the RPD budget for several years. The additional rifles were requested during the City of Redding’s budget process but due to insufficient JAG 2023 Redding Police Department   funds, the request was denied. This item has been a high priority for the Department and JAG funding will allow that priority to be met.