Peralta Community College District Center for Public Safety

The Congressionally Recommended Awards Program, authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2010 (Pub. L. 111-117), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects recommended by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-117, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 2010 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY2010 Department of Justice Appropriations Act.

Funding under this award will allow the Peralta Community College District to establish a plan to respond to a range of critical public safety needs in the Oakland-East Bay area. The project will develop a plan that will accomplish the following outcomes: 1. expansion of the Merritt Administration of Justice Program and Curriculum, including a Peralta Community College District (PCCD) Police Cadet Training Program; 2. establishment of a Police and Fire Academies Program in collaboration with the City of Oakland Police and Fire Departments; 3. development of a new PCCD POST Certified Police Force; 4. development of a regional Public Safety Training Center for public safety agencies throughout the region; and 5. establishment of a partnership with Cal State University East Bay to provide students and working professionals in public safety a clear path from Certificate or AA Degree, to BA/BS Degree, to a Masters in Public Administration. This project, once implemented, will: enhance the Administration of Justice program at Merritt College; bring the Oakland Police and Fire Department's training academies to approximately 70,000 sq ft of available space on the campus; launch a new Peralta Community College Police Department; and enable college students and law enforcement professional the opportunity to work with educators from Merritt College and Cal State University East Bay on a public services, Public Administration "track".

NCA/NCF