The Houston Police Department recommends that City Council approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Houston and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) for participation in the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force.
As background, the City of Houston, through HPD, applied for and received grant funding from the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA) (Ordinance #2019-402). This is the 28th year of HPD receiving grant funding for its ABTPA program, which has been instrumental in reducing the auto theft rate in Houston and the surrounding areas. The grant period is from September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020.
HPD is the lead agency tasked with collaborating with other police agencies in forming the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force. These agencies provide personnel that participate on the task force to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of suspected buyers and sellers of stolen motor vehicles and automotive parts. Pursuant to the terms of the grant, HPD seeks City Council approval of an Interlocal Agreement with the METRO police department, which sets forth that the ABTPA grant will fund any allowable expenses for one METRO police officer participating in the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force, including fifty percent (50%) of the METRO officer’s base salary.
Fiscal Note:
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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Art Acevedo
Chief of Police