Department of Police
Reference: Presentation by Chief Southard regarding the annual renewal of the LINK IGA
To: Mayor Gregory Mills and Members of City Council
Through: Marv Falconburg, Acting City Manager
Prepared By: Paul Southard, Chief of Police
Date Prepared: November 14th, 2019
PURPOSE
To request the approval of the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Brighton and THE LINK agency.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA
Safe, Active and Engaged Community
BACKGROUND
In 1999, the Adams County District Attorney’s Office led an effort to establish a juvenile assessment center to serve Adams County law enforcement agencies and communities. The name of this juvenile assessment center is the Adams County LINK. The purpose of the LINK is to assess and provide services for troubled juveniles who have either entered the criminal justice system or have truancy/disciplinary problems at school. Referrals to the LINK can be made by law enforcement agencies, municipal courts or from school administrators. The LINK is located in the City of Thornton.
The original organization was a private, non-profit organization, governed by a board of directors and funded primarily with State and Federal grants. Over the years the grants that funded the LINK have been significantly reduced or gone away. The calculation of the assessment is based on Brighton’s pro rata share of the current 6 year average historical juvenile transports from the jurisdiction as compared to the total for all of the participating jurisdictions. Brighton’s LINK usage accounts for 13% of total usage.
The City of Brighton presently has one member representing Brighton on the governing board of directors, Clint Blackhurst.
CRITERIA BY WHICH COUNCIL MUST CONSIDER THE ITEM
The LINK’s hours of operation (or on-call availability) are 24/7. The LINK recently moved to 9025 Grant St in Thornton. Although not as convenient a location as preferred by the City, the City’s police officers or the citizens who use their services, staff believes the LINK provides the best option currently available for the community’s delinquent youth.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The assessment for the City of Brighton is $59,795.00 for 2020. The assessment has not changed from 2019. This amount is included in the 2020 proposed budget.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Police Department recommends approval of the IGA
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
Approve - Brighton Police Officers will continue to have an option for juvenile services.
Decline - This option will result in officers being off the street for extended periods while dealing with juvenile offenders. Those same offenders are more likely to become repeat offenders without services.
ATTACHMENTS
• LINK IGA
• Resolution
• PowerPoint