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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09236RESOLUTION NO. 9236 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING AND APPROVING A GRANT AWARD FROM THE VICTIMS AND WITNESSES ASSISTANCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND, OFFICE OF COURT ADMINISTRATOR, TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT, STATE OF COLORADO, FOR PURCHASE OF POLICE CHAPLAIN CLOTH- ING AND AUTHORIZING THE PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL TO EXECUTE ALL INSTRUMENTS RELATING TO SAME WHEREAS, the City of Pueblo, on behalf of the Pueblo Police Department has submitted an application dated September 25, 2000, as modified by submittal letter dated December 20, 2000 to the victims and witnesses assistance and law enforcement board for the Tenth Judicial District of the State of Colorado established pursuant to §24 -4.2- 101(1), C.R.S. (the "Board ") for funding the purchase of distinguishable clothing for police chaplains; and WHEREAS, the Board has approved the application as modified, and advised the City of an award for such purposes in the amount of $1,000.00; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PUEBLO, that: SECTION 1 The submission of the September 25, 2000 grant application and December 20, 2000 modifications thereto previously submitted to the Board for funding the purchase of distinguishable clothing for police chaplains is hereby ratified and approved. SECTION 2 The President of the City Council is authorized to execute all disbursement requests and other instruments reasonably required by law to obtain the grant funds in the name of and on behalf of the City, and the City Clerk is directed to affix the seal of the City thereto and attest same. SECTION 3 Upon and after receipt of the award funds from the victims and witnesses assistance and law enforcement fund, funds not to exceed $1,000.00 are authorized to be paid or expended from Account No. 255- 9515- 600.80 -50 for the purpose required by the Grant Award. ATTEST: e. ^ City &JArk INTRODUCED: March 26 .2001 By Patrick Aval Councilperson APPROVED: the -2- ity Council I James W. Billings, Jr. Chief of Police 130 Central Main Street Pueblo, Colorado 81003 City of Pueblo Fax ( 7 19) 54 9 - 1263 Fax (19) 54- Police Department p Background Paper for Proposed DATE; March 5, 2001 DEPARTMENT: Pueblo Police Department TITLE: Police Chaplaincy John P. Ercul Deputy Chief Charlene B. Graham Deputy Chief Ronald A. Gravatt Deputy Chief AGENDA ITEM # '� ISSUE: 2001 VALE Grant of $1,000.00 for distinguishable clothing for chaplains. RECOMMENDATION: Accept BACKGROUND: Police Chaplaincy began in 1993. It is under the control of the Chief of Police. The fleet maintenance sergeant is the immediate coordinator. Chaplains ride with officers and are available for 24 -hour callout. They assist with calls requiring counseling and/or comfort to victims of crimes or accidents. Further, they help law enforcement professionals who may suffer emotional distress because of the nature of their job. Having clergy present has a calming effect on victims, suspects and police officers. Their goal is to prevent stress from building to a non - reversible point. Chaplains should have a clearly distinguishable appearance from that of a law enforcement officer. Clothing will be of a distinct color and marked "Chaplain" for easy identification. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Date Received Grant/Contract Application # VICTIM'S ASSISTANCE & LAW ENFORCEMENT FUND APPLICATION FORM I. Project Title CHAPLAINCY Lead Agency /Organization — Pueblo Police Department Contact Person_Sgt. Tom Griggs Phone Address 130 Central Main Street III. Amount Requested $38,500.00, IV. Non - profit Status: Yes_XX No In Process V. Description of Applicant Agency_Pueblo Police Department SECTION A: PROJECT CONCEPT /DESIGN 1. Identify and describe the project's goals and objectives. A. Train clergy of all faiths to become Police /Sheriff Chaplains to assist officers at scenes of crimes with the physical and /or emotional trauma of victims. Their unique skills are a valuable asset in minimizing the distress of victims and their families. With trained chaplains available to provide this assistance, police and sheriff officers can focus their attention on the many details of the crime scene. The training classes include, but are not limited to "Understanding the Law Enforcement World ", "Crime Scene Protection ", "Dealing With Trauma Incidents ", "Weapons Orientation /Familiarization" (no live firing), "Traffic Control ", "Supporting Law Enforcement Families ", "Police Community Relations" and "Victim Assistance ". B. Chaplains administer a privately funded program for victims of crime and accidents, stranded motorists and transients. Many individuals go door to door begging from churches and local citizens thus becoming an increasingly dangerous threat to all. The program provides temporary shelter, food and /or bus tickets (a maximum 100 - mile radius). C. Present a seminar for police and sheriff officer's spouses or significant others. This will be planned to help officer's families better understand the law enforcement world. The goal is to reduce domestic violence, divorce, and chemical /alcohol abuse and other problems inherent to the profession. D. Chaplains will attend police Roll Calls and ride with officers as they patrol their beats as schedules permit. They also have a vehicle furnished by the Pueblo Police Department enabling them to drive around on their own following police calls and responding to emergencies and call -outs. This interaction helps familiarize officers with chaplains and the help they can provide. Chaplains are forbidden from making denominational recruitment while working with officers. However, they prove to be excellent listeners and provide optional choices and opinions for officers individual problems. SECTION A: PROJECT CONCEPT/DESIGN (Continued) 2. What is the overall problem your goals and objectives are addressing? (Please be sure to include measurable goals and objectives) Police and sheriff officers receive little, if any, training in matters of personal faith to competently handle emotional distress at scenes of crimes and accidents. There is a need for immediate assistance of this type for victims, witnesses and their families. Even officers need encouragement when handling tragedies. There is a general lack of knowledge of resources for homeless, transient or stranded persons in our community. The chaplain program provides a source to turn to for help in receiving assistance or at the least information where help can best be located. It is difficult to measure the problems. Human frailty and personal distress are not tangible. When tragedy occurs personal problems appear to multiply. It is in this time of stress that the ability to clearly think becomes clouded. Our goals and objectives are to become the source of help and /or information for police and sheriff officers in helping them do their job. 3. What is your timetable for accomplishing your objectives? Training is continuous. Chaplains attend monthly meetings, which includes time set aside for training. The seminar for spouse's or significant others, will be scheduled to include newly hired officers as well as those already employed. 4. How do you plan to accomplish your objectives? Chaplains will ride with officers on their routine shifts. They will have their own car for individually following police calls. In addition, they will be available for 24 -hour call out on a rotating basis. The chaplains will assist with calls requiring counseling; comfort or other services which is intrinsically a part of the minister's ability. Victims of crimes or accidents and /or homeless and stranded people will be assisted through the Chaplain's Fund. This fund is from monies donated through local churches and individuals. Those people in need of continuing help beyond what is possible through our limited resources will be referred to agencies designed to provide such assistance. 5. What problems do you anticipate in implementing your programs goals and objectives, if any? Communication with the police and sheriff dispatch centers. At present, there are only two pagers and two police radios available with mulit - channels. There is a great need for more of each to adequately meet our needs and unique challenges. Transportation. The Pueblo Police Department has furnished one car. A second vehicle is needed so both the north "on call" chaplain and the south "on call" chaplain have transportation available to respond to calls. Clergy donate their time and talents. If we can provide them with transportation and communication, they will be more willing to participate in the program. Funding honorarium's for speakers at training sessions and seminars. Funding for printed handout material for officers use and referrals. Funding for uniforms, equipment and supplies for chaplains. 6. How does your program's goals address the victim service needs outlined in the V.A. L.E. statute? The emotional distress of victims of crimes and /or accidents will be attended to by professionals trained in the correct handling of this human frailty. The patrolling or on- call chaplain can quickly respond to these incidents in an effort to minimize compounding the trauma. This will relieve the police or sheriff officer of the burden to comfort and /or consoling victims or witnesses and allow him /her the opportunity to focus their energy on the investigation of the incident. Law enforcement professionals suffer extreme emotional distress because of the nature of their job. The continual handling of physical and /or mental abuse and death takes it toll. Too many officers take this trauma home with them. This often leads to alcohol and or drug abuse, domestic violence, family crisis and divorces. Through education and a trained chaplain corps, we may provide an early intervention for officers and their families. Our goal is to prevent stress from building to a non - reversible point and thereby have officers who are more compassionate and have happier supporting and understanding families. SECTION B: SERVICE INFORMATION 7. Define the population and geographic area targeted for service through this project. The City and County of Pueblo with a combined population of about 138,500. The City of Pueblo is incorporated with a population of about 101,000 people covering about 44 square miles. The total area of Pueblo County is about 2,414 miles, including nine unincorporated communities in the County. Three communities are in mountainous areas. The Pueblo Police Department's jurisdiction is within the City of Pueblo and a large park located in the mountainous area of Beulah. 8. How many people are in need of these services? All victims of crime or accidents suffer some degree of emotional distress. In 1999, the latest statistical information within the City of Pueblo, there was about 1,092 incidents of homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Not included in this number were the increasing cases of domestic violence, auto crashes and other incidents involving death and injuries all of which cause emotional distress. These people arguably suffer the most and are in need of professionals capable of providing professional comfort and encouragement. 9. How many people are presently being served? Statistical data on numbers of people assisted are not kept. Chaplains respond to all the serious incidents as noted above when they are called out or are riding with officers. 10. How many people will be served by the project during its operation? Unknown. SECTION B: SERVICE INFORMATION (Continued) 11. Define the management plan for the project. (Specifically who will be responsible /accountable for the administration of the project.) The Police chaplaincy corps in under the control of the Pueblo Police Department Chief of Police. It is assigned to the Support Services Command headed by Deputy Chief Ron Gravatt. Captain Lloyd Smart is the second in command. Sergeant Tom Griggs in the immediate coordinator. Reverend Bob Windsor, retired, does the necessary bookkeeping tasks. He consults with Sergeant Griggs on a weekly basis. 12. Indicate hours per week project leader and main staff members will devote to this project and hours per week they will devote to other work. Tom Griggs Sergeant Support Services is a full time police officer. He devotes about 15 hours a week to the Chaplain Corps. The remaining time is spent on police related duties. Reverend Windsor spends about 10 hours a week on administrative tasks. There are six chaplains donating two to ten hours each per week to the program. 13. Are there currently any other community agencies providing like service in the targeted population? Posada provides long -term housing as opposed to our short-term motel room stays. They work with us and assist us with clients having long term needs. ACOVA also responds to traumatic incidents. Their main thrust is long term care and referral for victims and their families. Our assistance is short-term. Our primary object is to assist the officers with victims, witnesses and /or suspects emotional trauma so the officer can complete their many duties investigating incidents. 14. Specify how this project will diminish or eliminate duplication of services. The Pueblo Police Department Chaplain's Program is the only service of this type in the area. Our services are offered to any agency needing or wanting them. 15. What cost savings will the public experience as a result of this project? Cost savings will be in the prevention of escalating violence. The presence of chaplains at volatile scenes may prevent injury or death. Having clergy present has a calming effect on victims, suspects and police officers. Additional savings may be in the form of prevention or settlements of lawsuits due to over exuberant or emotionally charged officers who may not heed department policies. Providing food and temporary housing to transients in cold and adverse weather may lessen thefts and vandalism. It will reduce costs of having to house them in jail SECTION C: EFFICIENCY How will you evaluate that this project has met its stated goals and objectives? (Please identify and relate the evaluation to the goals and objectives identified earlier.) The goals are to assist police and sheriff officers at scenes of crimes and accidents where emotional trauma makes it difficult for them to investigate the incident. Often the calm and comforting presence of clergy defuses volatile incidents. A closely related goal is to help officers and their families in their personal lives. Chaplains do not intend to interfere with ones personal beliefs. However, by working with officers and helping them at scenes of crimes and accidents, confidence and trust is built up laying a foundation for professional guidance and counseling of a personal nature. This ancillary advice can help strengthen family relationships which, in turn, provides a foundation for professionalism and helps make a safer community. Perhaps the only way to truly evaluate the effectiveness of the program is by the acceptance of the chaplains by the officers. Their willingness to allow chaplains to assist with the emotional distress of victims and witnesses. Even their willingness to allow the chaplain into their private domain, the patrol call. Evaluation of a program of this nature can only be measured through the passage of time. Our program has shown growth with the increase of clergy donating their time and talents for the benefit of our community and our police and sheriff officers. SECTION D: BUDGET SUMMARY. 1. Total Amount Requested_ $38,500. 00 2. Will this amount provide full financial support? Yes No_XX If no, please identify other funding sources. City of Pueblo Police Department and Independent Donations. 3. Please complete the following: Yr. VALE Fed. State Local In -Kind Other 2001 $38,500.00 $14,200.00 $5,000.00 4. Please identify the following expenses: a. Operating: In -Kind b. Travel and Lodging for Speakers: $1,500.00 c. Equipment and Supplies: 4 Portable police radios $2,400.00; Flashlights, uniforms, Jackets $2,000.00; Printing of handouts, notebooks, postage $3,200.00. d. Professional Services: Honorariums: $2,000.00 e. Other: Vehicle $25,000.00 Vehicle equipment; police radio, fire extinguisher, first aid kit Etc. $2,400.00. d. TOTAL $38,500.00 5. How will future funding needs be met? Pueblo Police Department and Independent Donations 6. Explain the specific use of these funds? CATEGORY FUNDS SalaryNehicle Maintenance Pueblo Police Department Office, supglies, telephone and pagers Pueblo Police Department Aid to those in need Donations from Church & Individuals Travel and lodging VALE Equipment and Supplies VALE Professional Services VALE Vehicle VALE Vehicle Equipment VALE SECTION E: BUDGET SUMMARY OF PROGRAM OR AGENCY OVERSEEING PROJECT 1. Please complete the following: Yr. VALE Fed. State Local In -Kind Other 2001 $38,500.00 $14,200.00 $5,000.00 2. Please identify the in -kind expenses: a. Operating_Salary/Vehicle Maintenance; $8,200.00 b. Office, Supplies, telephone and pager $2,000.00_ c. Training; $4,000.00 d. Other: Transient Aid, $1,500.00 Travelers Aid, $1,500.0 Emergency Aid for victims of crime and /or accidents, $2,000.00 TOTAL $19,200.00 SECTION F: AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES The applicant assures that the following signatories and all staff and volunteers assigned to this project have read and understand the rights afforded to crime victims pursuant to section 24 -4.1- 302.5 CRS and the services delineated pursuant to sections 24-4.1 -303 and 24 -4.1 -304 CRS. �J &&, K uthorized Official roject Director Date Date f: Officer Date SECTION G: Please attach statements from other providers who support your project. James W. Billings Jr. Chief of Police 130 Central Main Street Pueblo, Colorado 81003 (719) 549 -1200 Fax (719) 549 -1289 CHAPLAINS VALE Board District Attorney Office 201 W. 8 Street Pueblo, CO 81003 Dear Board Members, RE: 2001 VALE GRANT December 20, 2000 We respectfully request you reconsider our request for funding for the Chaplaincy Program. We understand the difficulty of selecting a few worthy programs to receive some of the limited funds available. The four radios you have funded will be shared among our six chaplains as will the car provided by the Pueblo Police Department. Victim services require a team effort to help minimize emotional trauma and distress. Chaplains are available 24 -hours to help comfort and ease the emotional shock when tragedies occur. However, they should have a clearly distinguishable appearance between them and a law enforcement officer. Slickers, shirts, summer jackets and winter coats should be of a distinct color and marked "Chaplain" for readily identification. Law enforcement officers often become "victims" themselves. They regularly deal with unsavory incidents. Unfortunately, many develop cynical attitudes towards society. This contributes to alcoholism, domestic crisis and possible abuses. Having chaplains available to help at scenes of crimes and accidents and riding with them provides a "soft" approach to break the shell officers build around themselves. We ask you to please consider a partial funding for our program for: Distinguishable clothing: $1,000.00 Printing of brochures: 2,500.00 Professional Services Honorariums & Travel 1,500.00 Total $5,000.00 Sincerely, Tom Griggs Sergeant Support Services John P. Ercul d U Deputy Chief u � Charlene B. Graham —F – . Deputy Chief City of Pueblo Police Department Ronald A. Gravatt Deputy Chief CHAPLAINS VALE Board District Attorney Office 201 W. 8 Street Pueblo, CO 81003 Dear Board Members, RE: 2001 VALE GRANT December 20, 2000 We respectfully request you reconsider our request for funding for the Chaplaincy Program. We understand the difficulty of selecting a few worthy programs to receive some of the limited funds available. The four radios you have funded will be shared among our six chaplains as will the car provided by the Pueblo Police Department. Victim services require a team effort to help minimize emotional trauma and distress. Chaplains are available 24 -hours to help comfort and ease the emotional shock when tragedies occur. However, they should have a clearly distinguishable appearance between them and a law enforcement officer. Slickers, shirts, summer jackets and winter coats should be of a distinct color and marked "Chaplain" for readily identification. Law enforcement officers often become "victims" themselves. They regularly deal with unsavory incidents. Unfortunately, many develop cynical attitudes towards society. This contributes to alcoholism, domestic crisis and possible abuses. Having chaplains available to help at scenes of crimes and accidents and riding with them provides a "soft" approach to break the shell officers build around themselves. We ask you to please consider a partial funding for our program for: Distinguishable clothing: $1,000.00 Printing of brochures: 2,500.00 Professional Services Honorariums & Travel 1,500.00 Total $5,000.00 Sincerely, Tom Griggs Sergeant Support Services G. F. "Gus" Sandstrom, Jr. District Attorney IOtll Judicial District James S. Whitmire Assistant District Attorney Scott B. Epstein Chief Trial Deputy Robert R. Case Supervising Deputy Pearl Chavez Office Manager Sallie Rae Donley Fiscal Specialist Sandra K. Wells Chief Investigator December 8, 2000 Pueblo Police Department Attn: Sergeant Tom Griggs 130 Central Main Pueblo, CO 81003 Dear Sergeant Officer Griggs: The VALE Board of the 10th Judicial District at it's annual grant award meeting has reviewed your grant application for Chaplaincy . Your request for $38,500.00 has not been funded. The Board lacked the funds to support every program. Furthermore, they felt that under the Chaplaincy Program, you were already funded for radios, and it would be a duplication to provide additional funding. From the date of notification of the award decision, you have 30 days to appeal that decision if funding was not approved. To enter an appeal, you must submit in writing, a request containing additional information or change in circumstances. The VALE Board regrets not being able to fund your program. If you have any questions, please direct them to me at 719- 583 -6647. Juvenile Diversion Program (719) 583 -6145 Sincerely, Sharon Blackman VALE Coordinator OT 1876 GAP y jLj SB /rmm 201 West 8 1 h Street — Suite 801 • Pueblo, CO 81003 -3050 • (719) 583 -6030 • Fax (719) 583 -6666 G. F. "Gus" Sandstrom, Jr. District Attorney 10 Judicial District James S. Whitmire Assistant District Attorney Scott B. Epstein Chief Trial Deputy Robert R. Case Supervising Deputy Pearl Chavez Office Manager Sallie Rae Donley Fiscal Specialist Sandra K. Wells Chief Investigator February 5, 2001 PYlC Poll o iJ%puiiucnt -- C.1 ATTN: Tom Griggs 130 Central Main Pueblo, CO 81003 Dear Mr. Griggs: This letter is in response to two requests placed recently before the VALE Board. In your letter of January 18, 2001, and your letter of January 25, 2001, you had requested the portion of your 2000 VALE grant not drawn down to date. The most current figure provided was $1,255.41 � The Board reviewed your request on 2000 funding and has denied any further funding from that grant. In the letter of appeal on 2001 VALE funding submitted on December 20, 2000, the Board approved $1,000.00 for distinguishable clothing. The remainder of the request has been denied. The Board felt that the brochure did not address victim's needs, which is the Board's commitment. In addition, for future reference, travel and honorariums need to be thoroughly outlined. That is, the Board will need to know travel to where and what type of training. If t are qov ouestinpc niPaca rnnta,t rn.- at 583 -Ati47 Juvenile Diversion Program (719) 583 -6145 iAil�Yij *, +` N-; Sincerely, Sharon Blackman VALE Coordinator SB /lr 201 West 8th Street — Suite 801 • Pueblo, CO 81003 -3050 • (719) 583 -6030 ' Fax (719) 583 -6666