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| Subject: |
Discussion and possible action to authorize the acceptance of a Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant award in the amount of $2,184,552.35 as developed, coordinated, written, and submitted by the Webb County Sheriff’s Office 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, Pct. 4, and the Webb County Attorney’s Office Investigators; 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; and, thus, there is no impact to the general fund. All required documents were sent for review through the Economic Development Department and the solicitation is compliant with the Webb County Single Point of Contact (SPOC) procedures. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]
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, the Webb County Attorney’s Investigators, 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: |
| In conjunction with the Offices of the Constables Pct. 1, 2, 3, 4, the Webb County Attorney’s Investigators, 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. |
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| Fiscal Impact |
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