Resolution 20 of 2015

RESOLUTION NO. 20 OF 2015

Resolution Encouraging Salt Lake City to Apply for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant

Whereas, it is in the best interest of Salt Lake City to pursue opportunities that leverage external funding sources to maximize general fund tax dollars; and

Whereas, the federal government has re-authorized the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant program that provides for seventy-five percent of salaries and benefits for new police officers for three years; and

Whereas, the COPS grant program complements the President’s Task Force on 21^st Century Policing by promoting best practices for effective crime reduction while sustaining public trust; and

Whereas, the COPS grant specifically supports efforts to: maximize positive interactions between law enforcement and youth; identify best practices for community engagement; hire military veterans; and

Whereas, residents throughout Salt Lake City have expressed a desire for additional police officers in their neighborhoods as a deterrent to crime; and

WHEREAS, community oriented policing involves intervention as well as proactive prevention by focusing resources to address conditions that contribute to public safety issues; and

WHEREAS, community resilience to crime is bolstered by the benefits of community oriented policing, including enhanced social connectivity, decreased crime, and improved economic strength; and

Whereas, the COPS grant program application deadline is June 19, 2015.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Salt Lake City Council adopts this resolution encouraging Mayor Becker to apply for the COPS grant for the maximum number of 15 new officers to preserve all opportunities for funding associated with this topic while the Council and Administration discuss community needs in more depth.

Passed by the City Council of Salt Lake City, Utah this 9^th day of June, 2015.