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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Lt. Tom McNamara, Aurora Police Department
DATE: 11/18/2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution authorizing the City to accept a grant award of $24,000.00 from the Illinois Attorney General's Office as part of the 2026 Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Grant Program.
PURPOSE:
To obtain City Council approval of a grant to be used to enhance the Aurora Police Department in the detection, investigation, and reduction of organized retail crimes within Aurora
BACKGROUND:
The Aurora Police Department has a longstanding commitment to the reduction of retail crime in Aurora. Aurora is privileged to include many retail mercantile establishments, including the Chicago Premium Outlets, Fox Valley Mall, and many other retail establishments all which provide retail services to the greater Aurora area.
The Aurora Police Department received a grant from the Illinois Attorney General's office under the Attorney General's Organized Retail Crime Program and intends to use this funding to fight retail crime in and around the retail centers within the City of Aurora.
DISCUSSION:
This grant will provide $24,000.00 over a 12-month period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. $12,000.00 of the award is reimbursement of overtime for the Aurora Police Department as it conducts regular details in the retail shopping areas located within the City of Aurora.
Another $12,000.00 of the award is specified to be used towards the procurement of a mobile security camera trailer. (see page 12 of the attached award agreement for the project budget) The mobile security camera trailer is expected to cost over the $12,000.00 grant budgeted amount. The cost overage has been budgeted for via 2026 asset forfeiture funds.
The Grant Revenue will be placed in account 101-3536-334.30-02. Equipment expenses will be made following the City's Purchasing Policies and funded through account 101-3536-421.50-50. Overtime reimbursement will be funded through account 101...
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