TITLE:
title
AGREEMENT FOR A SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER PROGRAM BETWEEN THE CITY OF COSTA MESA AND NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023
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DEPARTMENT: POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESENTED BY: ED EVERETT, LIEUTENANT
CONTACT INFORMATION: ED EVERETT, LIEUTENANT, (714) 754-5395
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve the agreement for a School Resource Officer (SRO) Program between the City of Costa Mesa and Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2001, the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) began an SRO Program with NMUSD. The program consisted of two full-time police officers to staff Costa Mesa’s two high schools and one intermediate school. The program was viewed as a tremendous success and a benefit to all parties involved.
Since then, the City and NMUSD have entered into annual agreements in connection with the SRO Program. In September 2022, the CMPD committed a third officer to the SRO Program, which was outlined in the SRO Program agreement for FY 2022-2023.
ANALYSIS:
Since the SRO Program’s inception, the primary mission of the SROs has been to prevent and deter school violence before it strikes. SROs help mitigate problems that might otherwise result in an emergency call for police services, thereby reducing the burden on Patrol Services. SROs accomplish this by their presence on campus and regular interaction with school staff and students. In addition, SROs are a resource for students to advise of potential issues, which the SROs can proactively address and mitigate.
SROs are present on school campuses to ensure the safety and security of our schools. SROs respond to and handle all criminal acts occurring on school campuses or in the immediate vicinity. In this respect, SROs conduct the initial investigation on a variety of crimes such as child abuse, assaults, thefts, graffiti, and narcotics related crimes. They also provide immediate and direct support to the school administration and security staff.
Pursuant to the proposed agreement between the City and NMUSD, the City will assign three full-time CMPD officers to serve as SROs at Costa Mesa High School, Estancia High School, and Back Bay Continuation School, and provide assistance, as needed, at other schools throughout the City. NMUSD will reimburse the City for fifty percent (50%) of the total compensation paid to each of the three SRO’s, including salary and benefits.
ALTERNATIVES:
No other alternatives have been considered. If the SRO Program were discontinued, the Police Department would utilize staffing from Patrol Services to handle any campus-related calls for service. This alternative would draw upon the resources in the field and render them temporarily unavailable in other parts of the community. Additionally, there would be inconsistency in the services provided to the school district.
FISCAL REVIEW:
The annual salary and benefits cost for three officers is $880,330. NMUSD will be responsible for fifty percent (50%) of the total salary and benefits, which is $440,165. The City is responsible for the other half of the funding, which is allocated in the Police Department’s FY 2022-2023 budget.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed this agenda report and agreement and approved them as to form.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the Public’s Safety and Improve the Quality of Life
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends City Council:
1. Approve the agreement for a School Resource Officer (SRO) Program between the City of Costa Mesa and Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.