Preserving Santa Rosa Police Civilian Personnel

The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provide for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. This competitive grant announcement focuses on initiatives in eight areas: 1) preventing and reducing violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) providing funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reducing mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hiring of civilian support personnel in law enforcement (training staff, analysts, dispatchers, etc.); 5) enhancing forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improving resources and services for victims of crime; 7) supporting problem-solving courts; and 8) national training and technical assistance partnerships.

Under category 4, the city of Santa Rosa will use the FY 2009 Recovery Act Byrne Competitive Grant funds to support the Santa Rosa Police Department with preservation of eight civilian jobs. Currently, the police department must cut programs and eliminate 15 civilian positions. The grant funds will allow the department to retain two crime analysts, one community outreach specialist, four police technicians, and one police background investigator. The department will continue to foster partnerships with local community-based organizations and other law enforcement and justice system agencies to avoid reductions in essential services and avoid duplication of efforts.

CA/NCF