In FY 2005-06, Congress combined the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program (primarily funding cities) with the Edward Byrne Memorial Grant (primarily funding states and counties), to provide funds for the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).  All eligible Orange County cities under this program now file a joint application with the County to receive their share of these funds. JAG formula grants were placed on hold in 2017 while the Federal government was involved in litigation with the State. The 2020 funds have now been released, and the City received the following allocation:

• Fiscal Year 2020 JAG Allocation: $35,497 less a 10% administrative fee ($3,549.80). Garden Grove retains $30,989.75.

For many years the Police Department used JAG funds to pay a portion of its jail services contract. The purpose areas for the 2020 JAG grant, however, differ significantly from years past. For the 2020 award the funds must be used in the following purpose areas:

• Crime prevention

• Cold case criminal investigations

• Less than lethal equipment (munitions)

The Police Department has chosen to use the 2020 JAG funds for crime prevention.  The grant will enable the Community Liaison Division (CLD) to effectively partner with our Community Impact Unit (CIU) to reduce crime in high crime areas, crime trend areas, and provide education and awareness in these areas and to community members and businesses throughout Garden Grove.

Funds will be used by CLD staff to purchase supplies necessary to educate the public about community policing strategies, the CIU’s efforts, and Neighborhood Watch programs within the city. JAG funds will also be utilized for CIU and/or CLD overtime incurred as the result of specific, targeted efforts towards reaching the project goals, as well as for personnel to attend essential outside training to ensure they are equipped to accomplish these goals.

 Using JAG money to help fund the above described program creates no burden on the City’s General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the Agreement with the County of Orange for the 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program; and allocation of those grant funds to the Police Department’s FY 2020-21 budget; and

• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with the County of Orange and make minor changes or modifications thereto as needed