The Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department is requesting an ordinance be approved authorizing the submission of an electronic grant application and acceptance of funding from the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), under the Texas Department of Motor Vehicle in support of the FY25 SB 224 Catalytic Converter Grant. The grant amount is $994,740.00 with a cash match amount of $198,948.00, an in-kind match of $50,0000 for a total of $1,243,688.00. If approved, this will be the 2nd year that HPD will receive funding which aids in the detection and prevention of the catalytic converter theft rate in Houston and surrounding areas. If awarded, the grant period is for one year from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025.
The Houston Catalytic Converter Crimes Task Force (HCCCTF) is a joint effort of multiple divisions within the Houston Police Department. Personnel assigned to the Auto Theft Division, Property and Financial Crimes Division - Precious Metals Theft Unit and various patrol division will work together to investigate catalytic converter crimes in Houston, Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Auto Theft Division personnel will address the physical theft of catalytic converters from motor vehicles while the Precious Metals Theft Unit will address the entry of stolen catalytic converters into the metal recycling stream. Funds will be used for overtime, travel, equipment and supplies.
The Houston Police Department also requests City Council to authorize the Chief of Police or his designee to act as the City’s representative in the application process with the authority to apply for, accept and expend the grant funds as awarded, and apply for, accept and expend all subsequent awards, if any, to extend the budget period, and to authorize the Mayor to execute all related agreements with the approval of the City Attorney in connection with the grant not to exceed five years.
Fiscal Note:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2025 Adopted Budget. Therefore, no Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.
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J. Noe Diaz, Jr.
Chief of Police