DATE: December 17, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Police Department
TITLE: ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF ADDITIONAL GRANT FUNDS FOR THE COPS 2024 GRANT PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council accept and appropriate $268,886 in grant funds from the State of California Enhancing Law Enforcement Activities Subaccount (ELEAS) awarded to the City for the Citizen’s Option for Public Safety (COPS) 2024 Grant Program; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all grant documents.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City has received COPS Grant funds from the State of California since the inception of the Program in Fiscal Year 1996-97. The City has also established an interest-bearing State Supplement Law Enforcement Services Funds (SLESF) account, as required by statute. In previous years, the COPS grants have been used to fund personnel costs and equipment, consistent with the guidelines set forth in California Government Code Sections 30061.
The City received $264,816 in initial grant funding from the State of California COPS 2024 Grant Program. The City Council approved accepting and appropriation of those funds at its April 23, 2025 meeting. In October 2025, the City received an additional allotment of $268,886. Staff recommends that the City Council approve and accept the additional funding for the COPS 2024 Grant Program and use the funds as recommended below.
Programs to be funded with the additional funds are as follows:
• Pistols Replacement Project - $72,000 - This project will replace or update aging inventory that is not compatible with current optical systems, in order to maintain fire arm consistency and safety.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Remapping - $18,000 - To improve incident response, this system converts data into visual maps by utilizing raw data and transforming it into a functional GIS map. The vendor will provide professional services to update GIS datasets based on current needs and anticipated future growth. Call volume, response times, routing, and other elements will be considered in remapping the Reporting District Areas.
• Dispatch Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software - $27,000 - This software will assist the department with implementing an AI-based call handling platform. This system will manage non-emergency calls and will assist by providing resources, directing callers to the proper entity, entering calls for service, or referring callers to live agents. This AI-based system will benefit the Department by reducing call hold and answer times for routine calls, while allowing live call takers to focus on 9-1-1 and higher priority incidents.
• SWAT Night Vision Goggles - $51,886 - The OPD SWAT team will utilize the funds to retrofit older single-tube night vision goggles into dual-tube night vision goggles. Retrofitting single night-vision goggles into a dual-tube setup provides SWAT operators with a wider field of view and improved depth perception, both of which are critical during high-risk operations. This upgrade enhances situational awareness, reduces visual fatigue, and allows officers to move more confidently and efficiently in low-light environments.
• Drone as First Responder (DFR) Program FY2026-27 - $100,000 - Since launch, the DRF Program has use drones to provide real-time aerial intelligence prior to ground units’ arrival, increasing officer security, reducing response times, and enhancing overall efficiency for incidents. Funds will be used to provide operational continuity through the purchase of necessary equipment, supplies, and ongoing maintenance.
FISCAL IMPACT
The State of California has disbursed the funds to the City, which are being held in fund balance. There are no matching fund requirements from the City.
|
Expenditures |
Appropriation |
Account Number |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
COPS 2024 Additional Grant Funds |
$268,886 |
COPS 2024 817140424217.4376 |
|
Expenses: |
|
|
|
Pistols Project |
$72,000 |
817140424217.5330 |
|
GIS Remapping |
18,000 |
817140424217.5305 |
|
Dispatch AI Software |
27,000 |
817140424217.5355.0009 |
|
SWAT Night Vision Goggles |
51,886 |
817140424217.5330 |
|
DFR Program FY2026-27 |
100,000 |
817140424217.5704 |
|
Total Appropriation |
$268,886 |
|
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
This request will be presented at the Police and Fire Commission for recommendation at its regularly scheduled meeting on December 9, 2025.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The City Attorney has reviewed the referenced documents and approved as to form.
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Prepared by: Whitney Fernandez, Management Analyst
Reviewed by: Taurino Valdovinos, Chief of Police
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report
2. COPS 2024-2025 Award of Additional Funds