[CSMFO Members] 00-01 COPS funding

[Brad Wilkie]

Our Chief of Police has asked me some questions regarding the requirements for this funding and I thought I should get some input from other smaller jurisdictions.  Gridley has a population of 5,000 so a one time $100,000 will not help us in increasing front-line staff as the wording of the legislation suggests.   I would appreciate how others interprete the requirements of the funding in the following areas:   1. We see that the funds need to be expended by "June 30 of the following fiscal year" or more clearly June 30, 2002.  Is this your interpretation as well?   2. Suggested programs for the use of these funds include DARE, Juvenile programs, etc.  We are looking at programs or equipment that we can incorporate into our existing staffing levels to increase officer readiness, etc.  Any suggestions?  We would love to add officers but with a time limit of secured funding we can not justifiy that type of obligation to our general fund next year.   3. Other insights would also be helpful if you have found a great way to expend these funds in accordance with the regulations.   Thank you in advance for your help.