LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEM
SPONSOR: Grover C. Robinson, IV, Mayor
SUBJECT:
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SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET RESOLUTION NO. 2021-91 - LAW ENFORCEMENT TRUST FUND (LETF) PURCHASES FOR THE PENSACOLA POLICE DEPARTMENT
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RECOMMENDATION:
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That the City Council adopt Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2021-91.
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 Favor House. The funds will help provide with costs associated with the counseling program. While the women and children stay in the Favor House shelter program for a minimum of 6 weeks (longer if needed), counseling is provided daily. During the 2020 pandemic program, Favor House was given permission by the governor to operate the shelter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Favor House did not close its shelter program and provided 2,719 hours of counseling. Favor House continues to operate 24/7 as the numbers of women and their children seeking safe shelter and domestic violence continue to increase.
Safe neighborhoods are created by safe families. Domestic violence is a major disrupter in our community. During 2019 (2020 statistics not available), Pensacola reported 298 domestic violence arrests and Escambia County reported 1410 totaling 1708 arrests for domestic violence in our community. The need to provide counseling for domestic violence survivors who leave the shelter and return to live in their neighborhood is critical to enhance the safety in the homes. Survivors need counseling to learn how to live and recover from the trauma of violence in their homes and in the presence of their children. Counseling promotes healing, recovery, stabilizes the home, and teaches the survivor how to live independently from the abusive partner.
To provide the women the hope, healing, recovery and health they are seeking, specialized counseling must be available when needed. Women in shelters rarely have health insurance or funds to pay for medical needs or counseling. The requested $5,000 will provide 71.5 hours of counseling at $70.00 per hour. Favor House has a mandate of no charge for any services provided. The survivor will receive necessary counseling on-site at no cost. The funds allow women faster access to counselors compared to four weeks or longer. Crisis Stabilization Units only see those who are contemplating self-harm or harming others. Research shows the average person will receive 15 to 20 sessions for 50% of the client recovery. The funding will allow not only faster access but multiple and longer sessions during their stay with Favor House.
The Deputy 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.
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
10/25/2021
STAFF CONTACT:
Kerrith Fiddler, City Administrator
Eric Randall, Chief of Police
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Supplemental Budget Resolution No. 2021-91
2) Supplemental Budget Explanation No. 2021-91
3) Letter of Certification
4) Favor House LETF Application
PRESENTATION: No end