ISSUE: Approval of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Crimestoppers to continue its services to supplement law enforcement.

BACKGROUND: The City is updating its 1999 agreement with Crimestoppers, Inc., a non-profit organization to further its mission as a supplement to law enforcement. Besides its well-known tip hot-line and reward system, Crimestoppers provides a full-range of services to promote public safety through community engagement, advertising, reports and as a liaison with local law enforcement agencies throughout the County.
 

FACTS & FINDINGS:

1. The MOA identifies the services that Crimestoppers will perform and minimum standards to assist law enforcement. Included in the list of duties are accountability and transparency standards in the performance of responsibilities.

2. In 2019, Crimestoppers’ Board of Directors made a concerted effort to restructure and solidify the organization due to recent administrative turnover. The hiring of Larry Branson, a former police major, to serve as Executive Director has helped restructure the organization and re-engaged it with the community.

3. The City’s FY 2020 Budget and Service Plan includes a total of $150,000 to support Crimestoppers.

ALTERNATIVES:

1. Approve the MOA with Crimestoppers.

2. Direct staff to amend the MOA with Crimestoppers.

POLICY ANALYSIS:

Georgia law prohibits local governments from donating funds to non-profit organizations. Therefore, the City must contract for specific services from non-profit organizations that serve the community’s interest. Crimestoppers has become a vital partner with law enforcement to help identify and prosecute criminals. Its tip hotline, which provides an anonymous way to report criminals, and its reward line have proved useful in the arrest and prosecution of criminals.

Approval