Discussion and possible action to approve the submission of a grant application to the Office of the Governor Homeland Security Grants Division for the Border Prosecution Grant estimated at $500,000 over the term of the contract. This formal request shall authorize the County Judge to act as the County's Executive Officer and Authorized Representative in all matters pertaining to the County's participation in this grant. There is no cash match required for this grant. 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. Contract Term: September 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019. [Requested by Isidro "Chilo" Alaniz, District Attorney; Fund #2739-2260]
Issue: There is a need for resources to prosecute felony cases, provide technical assistance and training to law enforcement agencies and prosecute border crime cases along the Texas-Mexico Border. The Office of the Governor of Texas has provided available resources through a grant opportunity to enhance prosecution in the area of organized crime/criminal enterprise cases.
Solution: Authorize the submission of the grant application as set forth above to ensure that the Border Prosecution Unit at the District Attorney's Office can continue to successfully prosecute border crime cases along the Texas-Mexico Border.
Result: The District Attorney's Office will have the opportunity to receive additional resources to continue prosecution specifically in the area of organized crime / criminal enterprise cases.
Background:
The District Attorney's Office will utilize this grant to keep improving the quality of prosecutions specifically in the area of organize crime / criminal enterprise cases. This grant is a continuation of the current existing grant. The grant has been in existence for nine years.