Res 1983-027 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PART IV. PROGRAM NARRATIVE. The followin~ suggested format is provided for use with applications for criminal justice funds. For specific detail see Instructions~ Part IV, Program Narrative, Attachment ~1~ "Un; form G}'an"t. & Contract r'1anagement 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. For the past several years, the City of San Marcos has been experiencing radipgrowth in both area and population. Since 1970, the resident population of the City has increased by over 29%. In addition to the permanent residents , Southwest Texas State University enrolls over 16,400 studentsduring each Spring and Fall semester. The student enrollment population has increased independent of that of the City by over 39% since the Fall semester of 1972. The Planning and Analysis Dept. of the University expects the University to continue moderate growth of approx. 3% each semester over the coming five year period. Growth projections indicatE that. the City itself will double in both area and population by the year 2000. At the center of a rapidly expanding metroplex between the. cities of Austin and San Antonio, adjacent to the corridor of an Interstate Highway, the San Marcos community has been threatened by substantial increases in overall crime. The speed at which the community has grown has left many important services unprepared for the expectations of the future. Statistics indicate that over a five year period, ending in 1982, the city has experienced increases in almost every criminal area. The increases are far and above the increases in the cummunity population. Property offenses, Tl1eft, Burglary and Criminal Mischeif,have sl1own tl1e most significant ir -eases. The dollar value of property lost from within the community and specifically a¡ ibuted to theft, increased by over 309% in the same five year period. The 1977 dollar value f( lost propertgwas estimated at that time at $372,149.00. This was again at that time a record level. As the 1982 year closed, the value had risen to a new high and surprising leve.I of $1,151,224. In addition to the astounding increase in property lost, the Departments 2. RESULTS OR BENEFITS EXPECTED. Brief and concise narrative of the overall purpose of the project, or what is expected to be accomplished by the project. Increased population within the City itself, increased University enrollment and increased industrial and economic expansion, has provided new opportunities for our criminal element. These increases have become of genuine concern to the Department and to the City. Our inability to cope with the substantial increases in crime has raised speculation about the overall mission of the Department and it's services to the communnity. Municipal revenues do not permit for significant increases in manpower and equipment. Our only alternative is to call upon our constituency for their assistance. The purpose of this proposal is to provide full time attention to the Crin~ Prevention Field. At present, tl1e Department has not made any official or organized efIort to approach the question of the education of the community or their cooperation in the police mission. A Crime Prevention Coordinator at the base corporal position will organized the efforts of the Department to include participation and input by the constituancy of our community. By planning educational seminars for neighborhood organizations, community groups, parent and youth organizations, the coordinators purpose will be to educate the co~unity in caring for tl1emselv, when and where the Department cannot. To bolster their awareness of the needs and problems of the Community and of the Department. To spur their cooperation with the goals of reduced c.""';'7!e, better reporting and documentation of suspicious and criminal activity, increased a ~ehensions and a safer community and neighborhoods. To help them to help themselves. T :ncrease the efficiency of the department by educating tl1e people to patrol as well. Each ana every citizen incorporated into the working program provides another set of eyes and ears to detect and report crime.