SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve acceptance of University of North Florida Training and Services Institute, Inc., d/b/a Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), High Visibility Education (HVE) and Support Program for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant Award in the amount of $22,969.15 for police overtime, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
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SUMMARY:
The Clearwater Police Department (CPD) submitted an application under the state HVE program to continue its grant-funded pedestrian and bicycle safety project. The grant has been officially awarded in the amount of $22,969.15 and CPD now seeks approval to accept it.
CPD has conducted grant-funded comprehensive enforcement/education projects since March 2014 aimed at changing the behavior of all who use Clearwater’s roadways - pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. Due to the success of the previous projects, IPTM would like to see Clearwater continue to build upon what it has already accomplished.
CPD will again carefully select a pool of patrol officers/sergeants for this project who have demonstrated a sincere interest and affinity for traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian enforcement. Enforcement will focus on areas with a high volume of pedestrian traffic and/or crashes as compared to other parts of the city.
The project period for Tier 1 will commence upon execution of the contract and will end on or before May 8, 2026. Tier 2 locations commence February 1, 2026 and end May 8, 2026.
As with the previous grants, selected officers will receive specific training as required on traffic enforcement and educational opportunities with the public prior to implementation of the project. CPD will also work closely with the University during the project period to ensure accurate data collection and to advise of any problems or successes that are accomplished.
CPD will continue to get the word out about the project through a variety of means. CPD’s Public Safety Information Officer will distribute a minimum of two releases, as outlined in the agreement.
There will be no direct adverse impact to the Police Department annual operating budget nor is there a required match.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Special project number G2510 - Pedestrian/Bicycle Safety Grant 2026, will be established to account for the grant expenditures.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY: This project is relevant towards accomplishing the strategic goal of a High Performing Government, specifically strategic objective 1.4 to foster safe and healthy communities in Clearwater through first-class public safety and emergency response services.
