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PART IV. PROGRAM NARRATIVE. The followiny suggested format is provided for use with applications for criminal justice funds. For specific deta i1 see Instructions, Part IV, Program Narrative, Attachment M, "Uniform Grant & Contract Management Standards". 1. OBJECTIVES AND NEED FOR THIS ASSISTANCE. Brief and concise summary of the background and nature of the problem. Include specific data and cite sources. Tl City of San }~rcos for the past several years has been experiencing a rapid growth in both ar and population. Since 1970, the residents of the city have increased in number by over 29%. Ir ddition to the permanent residents of the city~ Southwest Texas State University situated ,.¡ithin the heart of the community enrols over l6~400 students during the Spring and Fall semesten The student enrolment population of the University has also increased~ but by over 39% since the Fall semester of 1972. The speed at which the community has grown has left many important services unprepared for the expectations of the future. Growth projections indicate that the city will double in both area and population by the year 2000. At the center of the rapidly expanding metroplex betw"een the. cities of Austin and San Antonio adjacent to the corridor of an Interstate Highway, the San Marcos Community has been threatened by a marked increase in overall crime. With the tremendous growth and its temptations and opportuni~ies~ San Harcos has also experienced a substantial and more significant increase in crimes committed by Juveniles. Statistics indicate that Juvenile referals here are rising rapidly. During the five year period between 1977 and 1982: apprehensions of juvenile offenders for ~isdemeanor Theft increased by 129%. This exceeds the overall increase in theft offenses by over 70%.The apprehension of juvenile offende~ in stolen vehicles increased by 250%. Juveniles apprehended for Aggravated Robbery increased by 400%. Our statistiæ do ho'ivever indicate a drop in the over number of juveniles apprehended for burglary by approx. 26%. This does not correspond to an overall increase in burglary offenses by 31%. It is important to note that the monitary value of all property lost in the community resulting directl: from theft increased by 209% in the same five year period. In 1977 the figure stood at 372,149 dollars. In1982 the figure had increased to a record high of 1,151~224.00 dollars. These OVER: 2. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED. Brief and concise narrativ~ of the overall. purpose of the project, or what is expected to be accompllshed by the proJect. The implementation of a Juvenile Investigator will apply directly to our Departments and C ~nities Juvenile problems. Not only will the investigator be responsible for the specialized s lIs of the juvenile field, but will help to coordinate the Police Department with the Hays C--___lty Juvenile l)robation Departmént and the Juvenile Court. The investigator in a liason positioJ will organize correspondence with local youth and civic organizations ~ with area schools and thei: personnel. This is to implement educational programs to better inform our juvenile population and parenting public about the community and the Police. At present~ all juvenile apprehensions and investigations are primarily conducted by uniformed line personnel. There is no organized effort within the Department to coordinate our juvenile inyestigations. Most post-arrest investigations are not conducted by the Police Department,but by the. Juyenile Probation Department after referal. The Departments' Juvenile Investigator will have a hetter insight of the needs and problems of the Department, the Community and our juvenile population. Our line personnel will undoubtedly continue to be responsible for a majority of Juyenile apprehensions. The investigator will eventually serve to educate these officers in current juvenile case law and their Texas Family Code authority.