ADMINISTRATION Brian Podany, Police Chief
Title
MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR A DWI OFFICER
Background
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of the Traffic Safety (OTS) is seeking proposals from law enforcement agencies for a full time DWI officer. The DWI officer will work the peak nights and times when drinking and driving occurs. The City of Blaine qualifies to apply for the grant. The term of the grant is expected to be two years. The grant will pay for the officer, but the City would be responsible for the needed equipment.
Adding this officer would be a way to increase our traffic enforcement in the evenings as this position is DWI specific and the officer’s hours have to be between 5:00 pm and 5:00 am. By utilizing the grant, it would be more cost effective than adding another officer to the Traffic Unit.
At the end of the grant term, the City would be responsible for the officer. Staff is supportive of allocating the DWI officer to the Traffic Unit after the two year term.
More information about the grant is attached.
Recommendation
By motion, approve the resolution
Body
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is seeking proposals from law enforcement agencies for a full time DWI officer.
WHEREAS, in 2016 it was estimated by the National Safety Council that the cost of alcohol related crashes in Minnesota was $286 million. In the same year, 21 percent of serious injuries sustained in crashes and 31 percent of traffic crash fatalities were alcohol related.
WHEREAS, to address this ongoing issue, the Office of Traffic Safety will continue to offer a program supporting full time officers dedicated to DWI enforcement and are awarding up to 15 grants.
WHEREAS, the City of Blaine would like to do their part in helping reduce the amount of alcohol related crash fatalities by utilizing the grant and having a dedicated DWI officer.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Blaine City Council enter into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for the DWI Officer grant during the period from October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. It is anticipated the grant term will be two years, renewing each federal fiscal year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and amendments as necessary to implement the project on behalf of the City of Blaine and to be the fiscal agent and administer the grant.
PASSED by the City Council of the City of Blaine this 17th day of May 2018.