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