Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - PUBLIC SAFETY CONTR (2)Agenda Item: 17 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT CONSENT CALENDAR City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: Casey Bingham DATE: August 28, 2012 SUBJECT: PUBLIC SAFETY CONTRACTS: LA COUNTY PROBATION SERVICES AND DRUG INTERVENTION SPECIALIST DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council award two one-year contracts and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or modify the awards in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, execute up to three (3) annual renewal options not to exceed the annual bid amounts plus Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustments, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such Fiscal Year, and execute all documents subject to City Attorney approval. 1) A one-year contract for probation services with the Los Angeles County Probation Department in the amount of $136,000. 2) A one-year contract for the Drug Intervention Specialist position assisting the Juvenile Intervention Team (J -Team) in the amount not to exceed $60,000. BACKGROUND Santa Clarita enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the region. Santa Clarita's low crime rate is attributed to strong partnerships between the community and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. This partnership is coupled with the City's commitment to community based, problem solving policing, and aggressive crime suppression efforts. Keeping Santa Clarita a safe and desirable place to live, work, and play is top priority. With resources from throughout the community, information sharing and cooperation enables the Sheriff s Department to identify particular needs and provide necessary resources to address and resolve problems. Cooperation among the local courts, the District Attorney's office, the Sheriffs Department and City staff help to ensure that violating individuals are held accountable. The two contracts recommended for City Council approval are crucial to effectively monitor the activities of probationers located in Santa Clarita, and to maintain aggressive efforts to keep drugs off the streets, away from schools, and out of the hands of our youth. Probation Services Contract The City contracts with the Los Angeles County Probation Department for a dedicated probation officer specific to the City of Santa Clarita. This service enables the City to provide a high level of supervision for all offenders. The Probation Officer monitors the activities of formal and informal probationers, and in an effort to reduce offender recidivism, works with the Los Angeles County Sheriff s Department to reduce crime. This agreement is between Los Angeles County and the City of Santa Clarita; however the Deputy Probation Officer (DPO) will be assigned to provide probation services on behalf of the City as an independent contractor. The purpose of this contract is to maintain, within the City of Santa Clarita, the services of one DPO. This DPO will provide specialized probation services for the City which shall be consistent with the laws of the State of California and the guidelines of the City. The specific community service duties of a DPO include recommending sanctions to the court, enforcing court orders, operating correctional institutions, incarcerating delinquents, assisting victims, and providing corrective assistance to individuals in conflict with the law. In the absence of this probation services contract the City would have to wait in line with all the unincorporated cities in Los Angeles County for a probation officer, as they are available, from the Los Angeles County Probation Department each time a probation officer is needed. The recommended contract will designate a probation officer 100% to Santa Clarita cases. Drug Intervention Specialist The City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Sheriffs Department launched the Juvenile Intervention Team (J -Team) to break the increasing cycle of youth drug addiction and resulting youth crimes. The intervention component of the J -Team is managed by retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Sergeant Robert Wachsmuth. Sgt. Wachsmuth is a 25 year Santa Clarita resident who retired after 33 years of dedicated County service. Fifteen of Sgt. Wachsmuth's 3? years were spent working with narcotics as both an investigator and crew sergeant. In 2011, Sgt. Wachsmuth was asked to implement and oversee the intervention component of the J -Team. His lengthy experience as a narcotics and homicide investigator provides him insight into the minds of narcotic users and dealers. Since the inception of the intervention component of the J -Team, Sgt. Wachsmuth has met with approximately 266 juvenile narcotic users and their parent(s) for potential treatment referral. During these meetings, Sgt. Wachsmuth discusses areas such as criminal history, drug W involvement, including at what age they started using and what types of drugs they have used, and the ramifications of drug use. If subjects are receptive to and willing to participate, Sgt. Wachsmuth offers them the opportunity to receive treatment and counseling. Subjects willing to participate in treatment or counseling are rewarded with having their case dismissed without charges being filed. Sgt. Wachsmuth follows up on each case to ensure the subject's success by monitoring their progress with both the counselors and parents. If a subject is not successful in their first attempt, other programs are available that may be more beneficial or better structured for the subject. Sgt. Wachsmuth maintains a personal relationship with Hart School District officials to better respond to their immediate needs and/or requests. Sgt. Wachsmuth is called upon to evaluate subjects who may be under the influence, or possess illegal substances on campus. Because of the high volume of heroin and prescription drugs abused by Santa Clarita youth, our City has seen an increase of overdose deaths. Sgt. Wachsmuth's responsibilities help supplement the large amount of cases handled by the J -Team deputies. For example, Sgt. Wachsmuth responds to each overdose death of a Santa Clarita youth (under the age of 30), and seeks evidence to prosecute the drug dealer that provided the drugs causing the overdose. Sgt. Wachsmuth's experience as a homicide investigator, his attention to detail, and his genuine concern for the youth of the community make him an invaluable member of the J -Team. Funding for both one-year contracts is already included in the FY 12-13 Public Safety Budget, approved by the City Council at the June 12, 2012, City Council meeting. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Award contract for a period of time other than one year in duration. 2. Not award a contract to the Los Angeles County Probation Department and the Drug Intervention Specialist. 3. Other direction as determined by Council FISCAL IMPACT Approval of the recommended action will result in an expenditure of $136,000 for the Los Angeles County Probation Services contract and $60,000 for Drug Intervention Specialist position. Both amounts are already included in the adopted FY 12-13 budget. J