AGENDA #4m

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

SUBJECT: Acceptance of 2006 Governor’s Crime Commission Grant

DATE: June 26, 2006

The attached resolution would authorize the acceptance of a 2006 Governor’s Crime Commission grant in the amount of $37,482.38 to address gang activity.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION

In the past, the Governor’s Crime Commission has funded local law enforcement grants to control crime and increase public safety.  This year, Federal Justice Assistance funds have been appropriated to support a range of law enforcement programs.  Earlier this year, the Police Department submitted a grant application to address the issue of gang activity in our community.  The grant was approved and the Town of Chapel Hill is eligible to receive funds in the amount of $37,482.  Funds will be available after July 1, 2006.  There is a $12,494 match required.  The matching funds are included in the General Fund for 2006-07.

The funds will be used to enhance the police department’s ability to address gang activity in the community. The majority of funds will be used to pay overtime costs for additional patrols in the downtown district and residential neighborhoods that have experienced gang-related activity.  Officers will also receive additional training in gang recognition, and will use this knowledge to deliver awareness materials to local schools and community groups. 

RECOMMENDATION

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Governor’s Crime Commission 2006 grant.