LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET RESOLUTION NO. 2022-005 - LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) PURCHASES FOR THE PENSACOLA POLICE DEPARTMENT
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That City Council adopt Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2022-005.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND MAKING REVISIONS AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
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HEARING REQUIRED: No Hearing Required
SUMMARY:
The Law Enforcement Trust Fund was established by City of Pensacola to allow the Police Department the use of money and goods confiscated as a result of criminal activity. Florida State Statute 932.7055 as amended on July 1, 2016 details the circumstances confiscated goods may be used. The Federal Controlled Substance Act, Section 881 (e) (3) of Title 21, Unites States Department of Justice Guide to Equitable Sharing designates the uses of Federal Law Enforcement Trust Funds.
The Pensacola Police Department is requesting $5,000.00 to be appropriated from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) for the purpose of donating to James B. Washington Education & Sports, Inc. The funds will be used to employ certified teaching professionals and/or instructors for the Academic Tutorial Program to teach core subjects: Reading, Math, Science and History and also conduct workshops pertaining to gang violence and crime prevention.
The funds will pay:
(2) tutors/instructors, 3 hours @ $20.00 x 3 days = $240.00 per week
x 4 weeks = $960.00 per month x 9 months = $8,640.00
James B. Washington Education & Sports, Inc. (JBWES) is a community center that provides direct service to disadvantaged, at risk youth ranging in ages 6 to 16 year of age and their families, in the Pensacola area via our Academic Tutoring Program. The productivity of this program is crucial as the causes of crime are complex. Poverty, parent neglect, low self-esteem, lack of programs and/or extracurricular activities and low educational attainment are precursors to crime and unsafe neighborhoods. Crime is a complex issue that stems from many sources; however, lack of education, generational poverty and the breakdown in the family structure play a prominent role in criminal activity.
Programs such as the Academic Tutorial Program undermine the environment of fear and hopelessness in which criminal behavior thrives and in neighborhoods in which the children we service reside. The children JBWES service are at a greater risk simply because of the circumstances in which they are born and live. Providing free educational programs for at-risk children and their families is a direct factor and avenue to regenerating impoverished neighborhoods. The youth become more disciplined, patient, moral and risk-averse which in turn helps to diminish criminal behavior and establish safer neighborhoods.
To date, this program has enhanced the academic performance of 90% of our youth and reduced the onset of risky behavior in approximately 75% of the male children we service, who are our primary focus. There is a general held belief that increasing the educational attainment, particularly of minority males improves the lives of these individuals and reduces the possibility of acts of crime.
The Tutorial Program is designed to help students with core subjects: Math, English, Science, and Social Studies to increase the number of students that graduate high school and enroll in college, a branch of the Armed Forces and/or a Vocational Trade and Workforce. JBWES currently us the XL software and Teacher Tutors to measure the student’s academic progress from one 9 week period to the next to ensure that they are reading and writing on their prospective grade level or above as it correlates with the Escambia County District Calendar Semesters.
The Chief of Police has certified that this request complies with the statutory requirements of Florida Statute 932.7055 and that the funds appropriated with be used for the qualifying purpose(s) of safe neighborhood and crime prevention.
PRIOR ACTION:
None
FUNDING:
N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the Supplemental Budget Resolution will appropriate the funds in the Law Enforcement Trust Funds for these purposes. There is no impact to the General Fund.
LEGAL REVIEW ONLY BY CITY ATTORNEY: Yes
11/24/2021
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
Eric Randall, Chief of Police
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2022-005
2) Supplemental Budget Explanation No. 2022-005
3) Letter of Certification
4) JBWES LETF Application
PRESENTATION: No end