Agenda

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County Administrator's Report 11. 17.

BCC Regular Meeting

Budget & Finance Consent

Meeting Date:	05/21/2020
Issue: Application for Funding Assistance for JAG County-wide Funds to Support The Jail Alternative Initiative Project For FY 2019-2020
From:	William Powell
Department:	Corrections
CAO Approval:

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommendation Concerning the Application for Funding Assistance Regarding the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) County-wide Program to Support the Jail Alternative Initiative and Tactical Response Team Project - William R. Powell, Director of Corrections

That the Board take the following action concerning the Application for the Jail Alternative Initiative project:

A. Approve the Application for Funding Assistance regarding the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) County-wide Program for the Jail Alternative Initiative and Tactical Response Team Project, in the amount of $41,133;

B. Authorize the Chairman to Sign the Application for Funding Assistance, to include the Subaward Standard Conditions;

C. Authorize the Chairman to sign the Certifications regarding Lobbying, Debarment and Drug-Free Workplace requirements and to sign the Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire; and

D. Authorize the Department to electronically submit the Application on behalf of the Board through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Subgrant Information Management On-line System (SIMON) portal.

[Funding: The funds are made available through the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program - JAG Countywide Solicitation, for the period beginning October 1, 2019, and terminating September 30, 2021. There is no cost to the County]

BACKGROUND:

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.

This Grant will provide the needed funding to offset the costs associated with providing JAI services to indigent offenders and TRT Officer training and equipment beginning Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

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 Application 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.

Attachments
FFY19 JAG C Grant Application
Lobby Debar Drug Free Cert
Subaward Mgt Questionnaire