Police Department
Reference: Presentation by Chief Southard
To: Mayor Ken Kreutzer, and Members of City Council
Through: Philip A. Rodriguez, City Manager
Paul Southard, Chief of Police
Prepared By: Kim Messina, VSU Manager
Date Prepared: December 12, 2018
PURPOSE
Grant funding allows for one Brighton Police Department (BPD) Sexual Assault Investigator to provide comprehensive victim-centered/offender-focused approach to the investigations of sexual assault in the City of Brighton and Commerce City as a member of the Commerce City/Brighton Sexual Assault Task Force (SATF). BPD and CCPD has implemented the “You Have Options” Program (YHOP), which seeks to address barriers to reporting to law enforcement and increase services to victims of sexual assault. The BPD Sexual Assault Investigator will review and thoroughly investigate all sexual assaults as assigned in their role as a member of the Commerce City/ Brighton Sexual Assault Task Force to increase successful prosecution. This grant-funded position will continue to support both YHOP and the SATF.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREA(S)
Safe, Active and Engaged Community
Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
BACKGROUND
The Specialized BPD Sexual Assault Investigator will be assigned to the Commerce City/Brighton SATF as a full-time detective. This position provides services to sexual assault cases including responding to crime scenes; initial and follow-up investigations; victim, witness and suspect interviews; evidence collection; suspect apprehension; preparation of written reports; arrest and search warrants and court orders; as well as work in conjunction with the District Attorney’s office to file charges, provide testimony, and act as a liaison to the department.
This position works in partnership with the BPD/CCPD Victim Services Unit, the 17th Judicial District Sexual Assault Response Team, as well as other employees, departments/divisions, agencies and the public in order to deliver effective evidence-based and innovative services based on best practices.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The grant request for $133,317.00 has been submitted through the Criminal Justice Division’s Office for Victims Program and fully funded with Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds. The grant request of $133,317.00 will fund 55% of one current VAWA-funded, full-time BPD Investigator and $12,120.00 of indirect costs to the City. The remainder of the investigator’s salary and benefits, approximately $101,000.00 during the two-year grant period, would need to be funded by the City. This grant funds January 2019 through December 2020, spanning two budget years for the City. The position has been incorporated into the 2019 budget; however, future appropriations would still be required to be made in the 2020 budget if this grant request is approved.
OPTIONS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1) Approve
2) Decline
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval and acceptance of these grant funds. BPD is the first police department in the nation to implement YHOP. This program has been positively received by our community, and has already shown success measureable by an increase in reports and the quality of services provided to our community. BPD and CCPD have joined together to establish a cross-jurisdictional Sexual Assault Task Force in order to continue to increase the services provided to the community. Through our innovative practice and leadership, we will continue to lead the way not only here in Colorado, but across the nation.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution
Grant Award Letter