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Council backs DOJ COPS grant to add two officers; city share required after three years
Summary
Chief Watson requested and council approved a resolution supporting a DOJ COPS hiring grant to fund two positions (a downtown community officer and a felony-assault investigator); the three-year program is estimated to cost $444,482 with an estimated federal contribution of $250,000 and a city obligation thereafter.
Chief Watson asked the council to approve a resolution supporting an application for the Department of Justice COPS hiring grant to fund two positions: a community-oriented policing officer for downtown and a detective focused on felony-assault/street-level narcotics. He said the grant pays about 75% of base salary for three years and the city would be responsible for the remaining roughly $195,482 over that period and for full costs thereafter if it continues the positions.
“Summary, I have some estimates. We're estimating it costs $444,482 for 3 years. The federal contribution will be $250,000 capped at $125,000 per officer. The estimated city contribution will be $195,482,” Chief Watson said. Council members discussed match calculations, FICA and benefits, and expressed support, with several noting the potential to improve downtown patrol and violent-crime investigations. The council approved the resolution by voice vote; staff noted the award is not guaranteed and must be applied for.
Council members also asked about hiring and retention strategies should the grant-funded positions become city-funded after the federal period; the chief said the department has emphasized hiring local candidates to improve retention.
