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Meeting Date:	05/08/2017
FY 2016 OPSG Grant Award Acceptance
Submitted for:	Martin Cuellar	Submitted By:	Anita Guerra
Department:	Sheriff

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant award in the amount of $2,258,768 for overtime/applicable fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, and other eligible costs associated with OPSG-related border security operations in Webb County in conjunction with the U.S. Border Patrol-Laredo Sector, Offices of the Constables Pct. 1, Pct. 2, Pct. 3, and Pct. 4; and designating the Webb County Judge as the authorized official in all matters related to this grant; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any cash match.

Issue: Complex and dynamic law enforcement challenges exist in the Southwest border area of the United States, including Laredo/Webb County. For example, transnational criminals seek to exploit existing law enforcement jurisdictional boundaries by conducting their illegal enterprises across traditional jurisdictional divisions. The 2014 Texas Gang Threat Assessment expounds, “Gang activity remains widespread throughout all regions of Texas…Gang activity is also prevalent in the Texas counties adjacent to Mexico and along the key smuggling corridors, since Texas-based gangs are used for cross-border smuggling and trafficking in the state. Many transnational gangs operating in Texas….engage in criminal activity in Mexico as well as in Texas and elsewhere” (Texas Department of Public Safety April 2014).

Solution: Grant award: (1) to ensure first responders are equipped with enhanced tools/equipment/resources needed to detect, deter, and dismantle well-funded criminal organizations and (2) for the coordination of law enforcement efforts between various local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Result: Enhanced capabilities of local law enforcement responders; further coordination of response across local and federal jurisdictions.

Background:

In conjunction with the Offices of the Constables Pct. 1, 2, 3, 4, and the U.S. Border Patrol-Laredo Sector, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office will utilize funding for border security operations, including law enforcement overtime (OT) operations and the purchase of law enforcement equipment.

Previous Court Action:

This grant application was authorized to be submitted on March 29, 2016. The submission and approval of this grant is approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court on a yearly basis.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	To Be Determined
Funding Source:	Grant Revenue
Balance:	$2,258,768
Financial Impact:
$2,258,768 Grant revenue for the Webb County Sheriff's Office and the Offices of the Constables, Pct. 1-4.

Attachments
Award Notice