AGENDA #4g

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

 

FROM:            W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager

 

SUBJECT:       Acceptance of Governor’s Crime Commission Grant for Victim Assistance

 

DATE:             April 26, 2004

 

 

The attached resolution would authorize the acceptance of the Governor’s Crime Commission – Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant from the Governor’s Crime Commission in the amount of $100,863. 

 

BACKGROUND

 

In December of 2003, the Governor’s Crime Commission announced the availability of funds to serve unmet needs or underserved populations in communities throughout North Carolina.  Funds were specifically earmarked to provide services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.  On January 29, 2004, the Police Department submitted a grant application to the Governor’s Crime Commission.  On March 29, 2004, the Department was notified that the two-year grant request had been approved for $100,863.

 

DISCUSSION

 

This grant would provide funding for hiring a bilingual Victim Specialist to serve Latino victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Chapel Hill and Carrboro and for training officers in both communities in cultural diversity and issues of victimization in the Latino community to effectively protect and serve this population. Funding through the grant is available to the Town effective July 1, 2004, running until June 30, 2006. The total budget for the first year, fiscal year 2004-2005, is $75,594.   A match of $18,899 is required from the Town.  This match can be provided through the Chapel Hill Police Department’s operating budget and through in-kind contributions from the Carrboro Police Department.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the Council adopt the attached resolution authorizing the acceptance of the Governor’s Crime Commission Grant to hire a Latino Victim Specialist to effectively serve the Latino victims who predominantly live in Carrboro and work and attend school in Chapel Hill.

 

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOVERNOR’S CRIME COMMISSION – VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN GRANT (2004-04-26/R-5)

 

WHEREAS, the Governor’s Crime Commission has made federal funds available to enhance the response of law enforcement services provided to unmet needs or underserved populations in local communities; and

 

WHEREAS, the Town’s Governor’s Crime Commission grant application in the amount of $100,863 was approved by the Governor’s Crime Commission; and

 

WHEREAS, the grant funds would be used to hire a bilingual Victim Specialist to work with Latino victims and provide training to equip police officers in Chapel Hill and Carrboro to effectively serve and protect Latino victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council authorizes the Manager to accept the Governor’s Crime Commission grant and to make all necessary assurances.

 

This the 26^th day of April, 2004.