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County Administrator's Report 10. 13.
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| BCC Regular Meeting |
Budget & Finance Consent |
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| RECOMMENDATION: |
Recommendation Concerning the Acceptance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Justice Assistance Grant Countywide Program Subgrant, in the Amount of $41,133, for the Federal Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Jail Alternative Initiative Project and Corrections Tactical Response Team (TRT) - William R. Powell, Director of Corrections
That the Board take the following action concerning the Justice Assistance Grant for the Federal Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Jail Alternative Initiative project:
A. Approve the acceptance of the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Countywide Program subgrant award, in the amount of $41,133, related to the Federal Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Jail Alternative Initiative and Corrections Tactical Response Team (TRT) Officer Training and Supplies Project;
B. Authorize the Chairman to sign the Acceptance of Federal Funding Assistance; and
C. Authorize the Chairman, as the County's authorized official, to execute any amendments or other related documents as may be required for the Jail Alternative Initiative and Tactical Response Team Officer Training and Supplies Project. |
| BACKGROUND: |
As authorized by the Board on May 21, 2020, the Escambia County Corrections Department completed the Application for Funding Assistance related to the Justice Assistance Grant for the Jail Alternative Initiative and Tactical Response Team Project. The $41,133 Grant will be utilized for the Jail Alternative Initiative (JAI) and Tactical Response Team Projects. The JAI project will ensure that qualified offenders who are eligible for release are not penalized due to their inability to remit payment for the alternative electronic monitoring programs or drug patch program offered by the County. Eligible offenders have no monetary bond requirement with the condition of GPS monitoring, SCRAM (secure continuous remote alcohol monitor) unit, or a drug patch as a condition of release.
Funds will also be expended to support Corrections Officer Tactical Safety and Wellness. The ability for Corrections Officers to protect themselves during dangerous encounters is essential. The Escambia Corrections Tactical Response Team (TRT) responds to the transport of high-risk inmates, cell extractions, mass searches, riots and disturbances that potentially involve uncooperative or violent inmates. TRT officers are outfitted with extensive gear, including body armor, helmet, tactical gloves, handcuffs, and less lethal equipment such as pepper spray and diversion devices. Intense TRT Instructor-level training covering less lethal techniques and skills for dangerous situations will be accomplished under the JAGC Grant. Upon completion of the training, TRT Officers will have the ability to provide in-service training to other Escambia TRT members to enhance the abilities of the entire TRT team.
To accept the JAGC Grant award, the Board is required to sign the FDLE Acceptance of Federal Funding Assistance Form. The special condition noted regarding Escambia’s procurement policy not appearing to comply with all federal procurement requirements has been discussed with FDLE. This special condition will be cleared as Escambia County has proven its compliance repeatedly as evidenced by frequent monitoring, auditing and reviews conducted by outside agencies within Corrections and all other County departments. To expedite the award in lieu of waiting for the change to be made administratively at the State level, it was recommended by FDLE to execute the Acceptance of Federal Funding Assistance Form with the understanding that the special condition will be cleared at the time of FDLE monitoring. |
| BUDGETARY IMPACT: |
| The Grant draw-downs will be processed on a cost reimbursement basis. No additional funds are being requested from the Board. |
| LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS/SIGN-OFF: |
| The Award Acceptance document has been reviewed and approved for legal sufficiency by Kristin Hual, Senior Assistant County Attorney. |
| PERSONNEL: |
| The Corrections Department staff will manage and implement the Grant project. |
| POLICY/REQUIREMENT FOR BOARD ACTION: |
| This Recommendation complies with all provisions of the Board of County Commissioners' Grant Policy. |
| IMPLEMENTATION/COORDINATION: |
| Corrections Department Staff will administer the Grant related project. |
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