Legislation associated with the California 2011 Budget Act established the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) as an independent entity, effective July 1, 2012. The BSCC assumed the previous functions of the Corrections Standards Authority, as well as other public safety programs previously administered by the California Emergency Management Agency.

Due to the steady erosion of funding for city police agencies over the past several years, local communities have experienced significant public safety impacts. To help mitigate these reductions, funds were appropriated to create a new grant program.

As part of the 2016 Budget Act, funding for Local Assistance was appropriated for city police departments "to increase positive outcomes between municipal law enforcement and high-risk populations." A provision of the Budget Act requires that "a minimum of 60 percent of the total funding go to police departments employing 100 or fewer officers." Orange County agencies were allocated a total of approximately $1.27 million, and Garden Grove’s allocation is approximately $57,100.

Using BSCC money, in the amount of $57,100, to help fund the Police Department’s front-line services creates no burden on the City’s General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the acceptance of Local Assistance Law Enforcement Funds from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) in the amount of $57,100; and

• Authorize the allocation of these funds to the Police Department for front-line law enforcement services.

By:  Courtney Allison, Fiscal Analyst