Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the Madison Police Department (MPD) to apply for, and accept if awarded a three-year USDOJ Office of Victims of Crime grant award to embed a crime response specialist within the Investigative Services Section. The award amount of $500,000 will provide funding for a 1.0 LTE Crime Response Specialist. Funding is comprised of LTE salary ($322,085), expected overtime ($21,946), supplies ($28,431), training ($16,538), and $111,000 in pass-through funding to the Dane County District Attorney's Office for Victim Services Unit's expenses. No City appropriation is required.
Title
Amending the 2026 Police Department operating budget; and authorizing the Mayor to accept, if awarded, a USDOJ Office of Victims of Crime three-year grant for $500,000 to embed a crime response specialist within the Investigative Services Section, coordinate activities and services with the Crime Response Program of the Dane County District Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Unit, and meet the need to protect victims by restabilizing their safety and security options, improving victims’ ability and openness to cooperation and participation in the investigative process and criminal justice system
Body
WHEREAS, the Madison Police Department pursues innovative initiatives to better serve its mission to provide high quality police services that are accessible to all members of the community, believing in the dignity of all people and respecting individual and constitutional rights and seeks to secure non-tax levy funding to do so; and
WHEREAS, that the Department has applied for, with its project partner, Dane County Attorney’s Office (DCDA) for a U.S. Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime FY 2026 Services for Victims of Crime grant; and
WHEREAS, the partners propose to implement the Madison Support, Advocacy to provide Focused Resources (SAFR) program to better serve Madison crime victims by embedding a crime response specialist within the Investigative Services Section, coordinating activities and services with the DCDA Crime Response Program of the Victim Witness Unit, a and meet the need to protect victims by restabilizing their safety and security options, improving victims’ ability and openness to cooperation and participation in the investigative process and criminal justice system; and
WHEREAS, project activities will include MPD hiring a crime response specialist, training, victim services and mentorship from the DCDA Crime Response Program, which also receive pass-through subrecipient funding providing emergency and other victim supports services (e.g., emergency lodging, property repairs and replacement, securing a residence, addressing transportation needs, emergency relocation assistance, communication assistance, etc.); and
WHEREAS, expected outcomes include quicker provision of victim services as part of the initial law enforcement response, reducing barriers to services, allowing more victims to be served with better coordination with the DCDA Crime Response Program.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the May is authorized to sign and the Madison Police Department accept a USDOJ Office of Victim of Crimes three-year grant award of $500,000, if awarded, for a 1.0 LTE Crime Response Specialist ($322,085), expected field overtime outside of regular business hours ($21,946), a laptop, phone and mileage reimbursement for the Crime Response Specialist ($28,431), training ($16,538) and $111,000 in pass-through funding to the Dane County District Attorney’s Office for Victim Services Unit’s expenses such as emergency lodging, property repairs and replacement, securing a residence, addressing transportation needs, emergency relocation assistance and communication assistance.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Police 2026 Operating Budget is amended to appropriate any grant funds received to be used for the purposes of the grant, including modifications upon appropriate approvals from the funder.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Finance and Police Departments are authorized to establish and/or maintain accounts as required for the administration of the grant funds.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Police and Finance Departments are hereby authorized to pass-through $110,000 in grant funds to the partner organization above through a purchase of services contract entered into by the Finance Director or their designee.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that grant funds not expended as of December 31, 2026, be carried forward until fully utilized.