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24.

Meeting Date:	02/09/2015
FY 2014 OPSG Grant Award
Submitted for:	Martin Cuellar	Submitted By:	Anita Guerra, Sheriff
Department:	Sheriff

Subject:

Discussion and possible action to approve the acceptance of Fiscal Year 2014 Operation Stonegarden (OPSG) grant award in the amount of $3,197,138 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, the Laredo Police Department, Offices of the Constables Pct. 1, Pct. 2, Pct. 3, and Pct. 4; and authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all relevant documents; and any other matters incident thereto. This grant does not require any cash match.

      Problem: 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 boundaries. 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 confront 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 responders; further coordination of response across local and federal jurisdictions.

Background:

In conjunction with the Laredo Police Department, 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 needed law enforcement equipment.

Previous Court Action:

The submission and approval of this grant is approved by the Webb County Commissioners’ Court on a yearly basis.

Fiscal Impact

Budget Account Number:	TBD
Funding Source:	Grant
Balance:	N/A
Financial Impact:
$3,197,138 grant funding

Attachments
FY 2014 OPSG