Title:
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A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an IL Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board (ILETSB), FY 25 Law Enforcement Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant.
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Introduction
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This resolution authorizes staff to submit an application for the ILETSB FY 25 grant which provides financial assistance for the purpose of hiring and retaining law enforcement officers.
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Recommended Action
Approve the resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board previously approved last year’s grant opportunity on November 6, 2023, but due to the grant being competitive, we were not selected.
Background
The ILETSB announced the solicitation to submit proposals to provide funding for local law enforcement agencies in identifying the creation and process of implementation of a program that meets at least one of these formats:
Recruitment campaigns - funds may be used to support media campaigns intended to reach eligible candidates and encourage consideration of careers in law enforcement.
Internal Recruitment Efforts - funds may be used to support agency-level efforts designed to promote recruitment, increase the diversity of applications, encourage recently trained officers to stay with their original agency, study the reasons for officer departure, improve the quality of life for officer employees, and retain the services of recruitment specialists.
Program to increase hiring in underserved areas - funds may be used to provide bonuses to supplement the salaries of long-serving and newly hired officers in agencies that have experienced at least a 10% staff reduction over the last 5 years. The Police Department currently is only staffed at 75% capacity.
Program for retaining officers in underserved areas - funds may be used to provide bonuses specifically to officers who completed a full-time basic training academy with some requirements. Agencies that demonstrate a history of losing officers within the first two years after completing an academy shall have priority over others.
Other recruitment and retention efforts - other proposals will be considered for award if they align with the objectives of the grant program.
Timing Considerations
The deadline to submit the grant application is February 1, 2025.
Budget Impact
If awarded, the grant will reimburse approved grant expenses.
This is a competitive grant with no guarantee of receiving the funds.
Staffing Impact
The grant will not require additional staff or other resources.
DEI Impact
Program to increase hiring and retaining officers in underserved areas.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Approve staff to submit for this grant.
Advantages:
• The grant will reimburse the Department for our Recruitment and Retention efforts. If we are awarded this grant, we hope it will significantly support our efforts to improve our staffing.
Disadvantages:
• None
Alternatives
The Village could decline the grant opportunity.
Advantages:
• None
Disadvantages:
• The Department would not have the chance to receive additional funds from the State to support retention and recruitment.
Anticipated Future Actions
Should the Village of Oak Park be awarded the Officer Recruitment and Retention grant, the Village will need to enter into an agreement
Prepared By: Anjali Peterson, Budget & Revenue Analyst
Reviewed By: Shatonya Johnson, Chief of Police
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution ILETSB 25 Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant