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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Keith Cross, Chief of Police
Michael Pegues, Chief Information Officer
Julie Frankino, Grant Writer
Barbara Stagner, Grant Writer
DATE: 11/26/23
SUBJECT:
Request approval to accept award number 15JCOPS-23-GG-01883-TECP from the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program for $2,280,000.
PURPOSE:
The objective of the COPS Technology and Equipment Program is to provide funding for projects which improve police effectiveness and the flow of information among law enforcement agencies, local government service providers, and the communities they serve.
BACKGROUND:
A grant proposal was developed and submitted to the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, with the goal of improving effectiveness of the Aurora Police Department (APD) by acquiring technology to help community policing and crime prevention through the development and procurement of equipment, technologies, and interoperable communications. The City was notified of this grant award earlier this fall and it is important to note that it is a grant; not a reimbursement.
DISCUSSION:
Funding obtained through this grant will increase the City's safety and security by providing real-time access to cameras and the ability to interpret that data and formulate a quick and decisive response to crimes in progress.
Violent crimes including vehicular hijackings (aka: car jackings) and felony property crimes such as burglaries and the theft of motor vehicles are on a precipitous rise. Nationwide, the use of license plate readers and real-time cameras have proven to be invaluable in addressing these crime trends.
Equipment procured with this grant will include real-time crime cameras and license plate readers, along with the ancillary support equipment associated with these cameras, such as cables, modems, and the like.
Funding obtained through this grant will also be used to support the expansion of the police department's Digital Forensic Program and its efforts to address the increase of digital crimes in the community. These crimes include Cyberbullying, Online Harassment, Identity Theft, Cryptocurrency Scams, Hacking, and Child Pornography. In addition, "traditional" crimes such as homicides et al can have corroborative digital evidence, including "chats", geolocation data, or other digital evidence which can significantly enhance a traditional homicide investigation.
Equipment procured with this grant will also include a suite of software solutions developed to aid in the location, collection, and analysis of digital forensic evidence. This includes associated network and subscription services needed to complete this expansion.
Expenditures under this grant will be tracked and follow the city's procurement requirements as well as the requirements set by the COPS Technology and Equipment Program and all applicable state or federal regulations.
The grant provides 100% of the funding and there is no local cost matching involved with the project.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
This grant award will result in improved safety and security for Aurora residents, businesses, and visitors. Equipment installed through this project will supplement and enhance the Aurora Police Department's existing capabilities. Management of the project and maintenance of the equipment will be the responsibility of the city's IT Department.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Request the City accept award number 15JCOPS-23-GG-01883-TECP from the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program for $2,280,000.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution to accept award number 15JCOPS-23-GG-01883-TECP from the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program for $2,280,000.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program has approved a grant award for $2,280,000 to the City of Aurora; and
WHEREAS, the installation of equipment procured will improve the safety and security of the entire community; and
WHEREAS, this grant provides 100% of the funding and there is no local cost matching involved with the project; and
WHEREAS, expenditures under this grant will be tracked and follow the city's procurement requirements as well as the requirements set by the COPS Technology and Equipment Program and all applicable state or federal regulations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: the city accepts award number 15JCOPS-23-GG-01883-TECP from the US Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Technology and Equipment Program for $2,280,000.