Title
Adopt a Resolution to Approve and Authorize the City Manager to Accept the 2019 Department of Justice Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Award in the Amount of $29,997.90 to Appropriate these funds into Account 150-21-063
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Public Safety
SUMMARY
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program, established in 2005, is the primary source of federal funding for criminal justice initiatives at the state and local levels. Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), it combines the former Edward Byrne Memorial Grant Program and the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program. The funding, which is allocated based on population, crime statistics, and a minimum allocation, is divided between state and local governments, and is available to a wide range of recipients, including municipalities, tribes, and community organizations. JAG grants support various criminal justice programs, such as law enforcement, prosecution, prevention, corrections, drug treatment, and crime victim services.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to approve and authorize the City Manager to accept the $29,997.90 grant award and appropriate the same amount in Account 150-21-063, and to authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute all grant documents.
BACKGROUND
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance (JAG) Grant Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the leading source of federal funding for criminal justice initiatives at the state and local levels. Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, the JAG Program was established in 2005. The funding supports a wide variety of state and local projects, including those aimed at crime prevention, crime control, and enhancing the criminal justice system.
To ensure a fair distribution to state and local governments, the allocation of funds is determined by a formula that factors in population and crime statistics, with a guaranteed minimum allocation. Funds are divided with 60% going to the state and 40% to local recipients. Municipal governments, tribes, and community and faith-based organizations are all eligible for funding. Historically, California's JAG funds have been allocated directly to counties through a non-competitive process.
JAG funding must adhere to specific federal guidelines, which include the following:
1. Funds are intended to supplement, not replace, existing resources for program activities and cannot be used to supplant non-federal funds allocated for the same purpose.
2. Security enhancements or equipment purchases cannot be made for nongovernmental entities not directly or indirectly involved in criminal justice or public safety.
3. Funds may not be used to purchase vehicles, vessels, or aircraft, unless they are for police use; luxury items; real estate; or for construction projects, unless related to penal or correctional institutions.
4. JAG funds can be used to provide additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance, and information systems for criminal justice, including for the following programs:
a) law enforcement;
b) prosecution and court;
c) prevention and education;
d) corrections and community corrections;
e) drug treatment and enforcement;
f) planning, evaluation, and technology improvement;
g) crime victim and witness initiatives;
h) mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams; and
i) implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives.
On April 7, 2025, during the Police Department's Annual Update on Military Equipment Funding, Acquisition, and Use Policy, the City Council approved the department's request to purchase two Kinetic Breaching Tools.
Analysis
The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office submits the JAG grant application on behalf of eligible Alameda County cities and the county. The grant has a four-year span and does not require matching funds. The City of San Leandro was awarded $33,331 in 2019 JAG grand funds. The Sheriff’s Office shall retain 10% ($3,333.10) of the grant for administrative fees covering grant management, application processing, and financial and auditing services. Additionally, 3% ($999.93) of the grant must be set aside for the implementation of the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
The Police Department will allocate $29,997.90 of its 2019 JAG funding (including 3% NIBRS set-aside and after the 10% administrative fee) to purchase two Kinetic Breaching Tools. Acquiring these tools will significantly enhance the department’s tactical efficiency, improve safety for both officers and civilians, and increase operational versatility during critical incidents. This purchase will fulfill the equipment program, purpose area #4, listed above.
Financial Impacts
The acceptance of the grant will not impact the General Fund. If approved, the City will receive $29,997.90 for tactical equipment in accordance with the DOJ JAG guidelines, with no matching funds needed. Expenditures will be recorded in grant fund account 150-21-063 with an appropriation of $29,997.90 required for the equipment purchase.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Resolution JAG 2019 Grant
Attachment B: JAG 2019 Budget Narrative
Attachment C: Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Award Letter
PREPARED BY: Liz Jimenez, Police Business Manager, Police Department