Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes a five (5) year sole source contract for up to $60,000 annually with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. for the Law Enforcement Advocate Partnership (LEAP). The Police Department 2020 Operating Budget includes $60,000 for LEAP contracted services with DAIS (Police Field Service - Community Agency Contracts). Subsequent year funding will be requested in the Police Department's Operating Budget requests and is subject to the approval by the Common Council.
Title
Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign a five (5) year non-competitive service contract for up to $60,000 annually with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. for the Law Enforcement Advocate Partnership (LEAP)
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WHEREAS, domestic violence continues to be an issue that affects all residents of Madison and Dane County, including a recent domestic-related homicide incident; and,
WHEREAS, Madison Police Department (MPD) personnel are often first responders to domestic violence calls and are frequently engaged in resolving domestic violence situations; and,
WHEREAS, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. (DAIS) is a critical community services agency that provides Madison and Dane County residents education and training, crisis information, emergency shelter, and support groups for abuse victims; and,
WHEREAS, in 2011, a successful pilot project called Law Enforcement Advocate Partnership (LEAP) was created between the Madison Police South District and DAIS and was designed to support victims of domestic violence by creating a mechanism for Police Officers to make a referral to DAIS and having a DAIS staff member follow up directly with the victim; and,
WHEREAS, this partnership resumed in 2013, expanded in 2014 to include all Madison Police districts, and has been in effect annually since 2014; and,
WHEREAS, the number of MPD victim referrals to LEAP have exceeded the 2014 total annually with 756 referrals in 2015, 862 referrals in 2016, 784 referrals in 2017, 835 referrals in 2018, and 895 referrals in 2019; and,
WHEREAS, for the 895 MPD victim referrals in 2019, DAIS staff contacted all of them via phone call within 24 business hours of referral, resulting in 395 follow-up conversations; and,
WHEREAS, 99% of the 2019 victims contacted and surveyed reported that they learned at least one new strategy or resource that will help them plan for their safety; and,
WHEREAS, the victims also received additional information about actions the police took-decreasing negative impressions of police officers and the criminal process-thereby increasing the likelihood that victims will contact police if there is additional need; and,
WHEREAS, DAIS is the only local domestic violence agency who can partner with MPD for this program; and,
WHEREAS, over the past seven years, MPD and DAIS have established a strong relationship and partnership, resulting in improved delivery of service to victims of domestic violence and both agencies desire this relationship and partnership to continue into the future; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Police Department has allocated $60,000 per year for the LEAP program in its annual operating budget since 2014, and has allocated $60,000 in its 2020 operating budget; and,
WHEREAS, MGO 4.26 requires Common Council approval of service contracts of $50,000 or more if the contractor was not selected through a competitive selection process, and the reasons for selecting this contractor are set forth above and in the attached Noncompetitive Selection Request Form.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Madison authorizes a continuing and ongoing LEAP partnership between MPD and DAIS.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that MPD and DAIS will annually review and seek to improve the referral protocol and program outcomes to reach more victims of domestic abuse.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to sign a five (5) year contract with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. for the period beginning January 1, 2020 to provide LEAP services as described above, if funding is available in annual Police Department budgets.