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) in support of the Houston Auto Crimes Task Force/33 (HACTF/33). The grant amount is 1,949,349.00 with a city cash match of $532,489.00 and an In-Kind contribution of $1,883,330.00. If approved, this will be the 33rd year of HPD receiving this grant funding which aids in the reduction of the auto theft rate in Houston and surrounding areas. If awarded, the grant period is for one year from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.
As the lead agency, HPD has successfully fostered an increased level of cooperation with other police agencies including the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County Police Department. These agencies provide personnel that assist in the apprehension and prosecution of suspected buyers and sellers of stolen motor vehicles and automotive parts. Grant funds will be used for personnel, classified and civilian overtime, travel for MVCPA conferences/board meetings and equipment such as lease vehicles and tracking devices, tablets, ALPR cameras and software.
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 Notes:
Funding for this item is included in the FY2025 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