Discussion and possible action to: (a) authorize the Peoria Police Department to accept a grant in the amount of $191,515 from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Victims of Crime Act, Victim Assistance Grant Program to fund personnel, a victim assistance software program renewal, and emergency victim assistance supplies and services for the Victim Assistance Program; (b) approve a budget amendment in the amount of $191,515 from the Proposed Grants Contingency Fund to the Victims of Crime Act Grant Fund.

The Peoria Police Department desires to continue participation in the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program. This program awards grant funding to agencies in order to provide direct support services to victims of crime. 

The Peoria Police Department has been awarded $191,515 to fund two full-time grant-funded city employees, to include salary and benefits, for a full year. The funding will also allow the renewal of a victim assistance software program and will provide emergency victim assistance supplies and services when needed. 

Funded personnel will provide crisis intervention, support, and follow-up referrals to crime victims. This advocacy is made available to victims from the time a crime occurs until the case is closed or submitted for prosecution. With continued participation in the VOCA Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program, the Peoria Police Department will be able to continue addressing the emotional and informational needs of victims of crime.

This is a one-year grant program from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.

This is the 16th consecutive year that Arizona Department of Public Safety has awarded funds to the Peoria Police Department for participation in the VOCA Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program.

Staff recommends City Council to accept the awarded grant in the amount of $191,515 from Arizona Department of Public Safety and approve a budget adjustment in the amount of $191,515 from the Proposed Grants Contingency Fund to the Victims of Crime Act Grant Fund.

Accepting this grant funding will allow the Peoria Police Department to continue participation in the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) VOCA Crime Victim Assistance Grant Program and provide direct support services to victims of crime.

Staff recommends approving a budget adjustment of $191,515 from the Proposed Grants Contingency Fund to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant Fund.

The match requirement for this grant will be fulfilled with the salary and benefits of the Victim Assistance Coordinator position.