ORDINANCE approving and authorizing the submission of Grant Application to the OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIVISION for the FY2024 Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Grant and acceptance of the award for the Houston Police Department; declaring the City’s eligibility for such Grant; authorizing the Chief of the Houston Police Department to act as the City’s representative in the application process; authorizing the Chief to accept the Grant award and expend the Grant Funds, as awarded, to extend the budget period and to apply for and accept all subsequent awards, if any, pertaining to the Grant

The Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department (HPD) is requesting an ordinance be approved authorizing the submission for and acceptance of funding from the Department of Justice (DOJ) FY24 Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force - Invited to Apply grant.

As the designated ICAC lead agency, HPD has applied for $604,690.00 for a 12-month period, from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. HPD is the coordinating agency for this grant and works in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies who participate in the ICAC Task Force.

The grant will support the ICAC Task Force in its mission to combat the online sexual exploitation of children. The funding will enable the task force to enhance investigative capabilities to identify and apprehend individuals who exploit children through online platforms, bolster efforts to locate and rescue children subjected to sexual exploitation and abuse, implement proactive measures to deter and prevent future instances of online child exploitation, and expand education programs to raise awareness about internet safety and the risks associated with online exploitation. This will be achieved by allocating grant resources to areas including personnel salaries, personnel overtime, specialized training, and essential supplies to support investigations and community initiatives. The grant does not require a cash or in-kind contribution.

The Houston Police Department is also seeking City Council authorization for the Chief of Police, or a designated representative, to serve as the City's official agent in the grant application process. This authorization would allow the Chief or designee to apply for, accept, and utilize any awarded grant funds, as well as to manage additional funds for extensions within the grant’s budget period, if applicable. Additionally, this request includes permission for the Mayor to execute all necessary agreements related to the grant, contingent on the City Attorney's approval, for a period not to exceed five years.

Fiscal Note:

No Fiscal Note is required on grant items.

_________________

J. Noe Diaz, Jr.

Chief of Police

$604,690.00

Federal Government

Fund 5000

Sonja O'Dat, Executive Staff Analyst

Houston Police Department

(713) 308-1627