Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing the submission of an application to, and the acceptance of grant funding from, the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division to continue the Austin Police Department’s Austin First Responder Project. Funding: $114,755 is available from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division’s Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program. A twenty percent City match is required and available in the Operating Budget of the Austin Police Department.
De
Lead Department
Austin Police Department.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $114,755 is available from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division’s Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Formula Grant Program for the project period of October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026. A 20 percent City match is required and available in APD’s Operating Budget and will be met by accounting for the salaries of existing VOCA-scoped personnel.
Prior Council Action:
September 26, 2024 - Council approved Resolution No. 20240926-055 accepting grant funding to implement the Austin First Responder Project.
For More Information:
Robin J. Henderson, Chief of Staff, Austin Police Department, (512) 974-5030.
Additional Backup Information:
The Office of the City Manager reviewed this grant for alignment as directed by Resolution No. 20200611-096 and recommends approval.
This action will provide the resolution required by the Criminal Justice Division to complete the award process related to $114,755 in grant funding for this program. The project period is October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026. A 20 percent City match is required and will be met by accounting for the salaries of existing VOCA-scoped personnel.
This is the third year of this program. VOCA funding for this first responder mental health project will allow the City to continue to employ temporary clinicians and dog handlers to provide direct service hours focused on trauma-informed care. These services include crisis intervention, counseling, personal advocacy, and information and referrals to help victims and survivors recover more quickly and completely from the effects of direct and indirect trauma.
The grantor requires a resolution approved by the governing body that includes items 1-4 below:
1. Authorization by the governing body for the submission of the application to the Office of the Governor that clearly identifies the name of the project for which funding is requested;
2. A commitment to provide all applicable matching funds;
3. A designation of the name and/or title of an authorized official who is given the authority to apply for, accept, reject, alter, or terminate a grant (Note: If a name is provided, the applicant must update the resolution should the official change during the grant period.); and
4. A written assurance that, in the event of loss or misuse of grant funds, the governing body will return all funds to the Office of the Governor.