Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Approval of Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer (SRO) Program with the Westminster School District in Fiscal Year 2025-2028.
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From: Darin Lenyi, Chief of Police
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Karla Santillan, Business Services Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
A. Approve the Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer Program with the Westminster School District to provide one full-time School Resource Officer with a total cost of $237,216 for 14 months of service; and
B. Approve a revenue budget increase of $33,888 for two months of SRO services in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to General Police - Reimbursements; and
C. Approve a revenue budget increase of $203,328 for 12 months of SRO services in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 to General Police - Reimbursements; and expenditure budget increase of $203,328 to General Police - Permanent Wages to be included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget; and
D. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
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BACKGROUND
The Westminster School District (“WSD”) expressed its intent to continue funding 100% of the fully burdened cost of one Westminster Police Department (“WPD”) School Resource Officer (“SRO”). The SRO will primarily be assigned to the WSD campuses located within Westminster. The presence of an SRO contributes to the reduction in crime, gang activity, discipline issues, bullying abatement, and an overall increase in safety. The WSD spans the cities of Westminster, Garden Grove, and Midway City.
The fully burdened cost of the full-time SRO in this current fiscal year is $203,328. With two months remaining in the current Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the contract cost for May and June is prorated to $33,888. During the new Fiscal Year 2025-2026 which begins on July 1, 2025, WSD will pay the City $203,328 for 12 full months of services. WSD will be invoiced by the City for $16,944 every month during the contract term. Any SRO overtime will be preapproved and paid for by WSD. SRO services will be provided while school is in session. Contract price increases during the five-year contract term will be based on any increases in the City’s salaries and benefits during the contract period.
Examples of SRO duties include:
• Serve as a liaison between the WPD and WSD.
• Assist school administrators in seeking to facilitate “canine/therapy dog” site visits.
• Provide students with a better understanding of the nature and function of law enforcement by providing classroom presentations, as requested.
• When appropriate, be a resource for students, parents, and staff.
• Foster relationships and respect with students.
• Investigate most crimes that occur on school campuses.
• Deter criminal activity.
• Consider restorative options for minor criminal offenses where appropriate (i.e. diversion program), and perform duties consistent with Procedural Justice concepts. SROs should utilize the Youth Diversion Program as the primary option when considering an appropriate disposition to juvenile criminal behavior.
• Coordinate patrol familiarization training to enhance patrol response to violent incidents on campus.
• Attend administrative meetings as requested.
• Presence at major sporting events, large functions, and graduation events
• Attend home visits with school staff or counselors when requested.
SROs are not responsible for school discipline matters that are routine (i.e. dress code infractions, code of conduct violations, non-criminal contraband possessions, etc.), nor are they responsible for administering school-based disciplinary consequences for students such as suspensions, and/or expulsions.
FISCAL IMPACT
Services will begin on May 1, 2025. The City will invoice WSD in the amount of $16,944 on a monthly basis with a net 30-day payment due date.
Approval of this service agreement in Fiscal Year 2024-2025 will require a revenue adjustment of $33,888 to General Police (Fund 100, Account No. 31000.39069) Reimbursements. No expenditure adjustment is needed. Expenditures for the SRO were included in the FY 2024-25 adopted budget.
A revenue adjustment of $203,328 to General Police (Fund 100, Account No. 31000.39069) - Reimbursements, and an expenditure adjustment of $203,328 to General Police (Fund 100, Account No. 31000.40000) Permanent Wages are required in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and will be included in the proposed FY 2025-26 budget. Overtime will require pre-approval by WSD, and associated costs will be fully covered by WSD.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The School Resource Officer Agreement with the Westminster School District allows for the presence of a School Resource Officer, which should contribute to the reduction in crime, gang activity, discipline issues, bullying abatement, and an overall increase in safety.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Cooperative Agreement for School Resource Officer Program with the Westminster School District in Fiscal Year 2025-2028
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager