Item Coversheet

STAFF REPORT - CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY

Subject:Informational Update – FY 2026 COPS Hiring Program Grant Application for School Resource Officer
Meeting Date:Thursday, July 16, 2026
From:Sean Brewer, City Manager
Prepared by:Sean Brewer, City Manager

I.    RECOMMENDATION:

Receive and file this informational update regarding the City's pursuit of funding through the U.S. Department of Justice FY 2026 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program to support the addition of a School Resource Officer (SRO) in partnership with the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District.

II.    BACKGROUND:

The City has identified the FY 2026 COPS Hiring Program as a significant funding opportunity to enhance public safety within local schools while expanding the Police Department's community policing efforts.

 

Staff has been working collaboratively with the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District to develop a competitive grant application for the addition of a dedicated School Resource Officer. The program aligns with the City's long-standing interest in establishing an expanded SRO presence in local schools while minimizing the financial impact on local taxpayers through the use of grant funding.

 

The COPS Hiring Program provides funding directly to law enforcement agencies to hire additional full-time sworn peace officers who will support community policing initiatives. School-based policing has been identified by the U.S. Department of Justice as a priority funding area for the FY 2026 grant cycle.



III.   DISCUSSION:

Staff is moving forward with preparation of a grant application under the FY 2026 COPS Hiring Program in partnership with the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District to establish a dedicated School Resource Officer (SRO). The City of Coalinga Police Department will serve as the applicant, as the program is only available to law enforcement agencies. If awarded, the grant would provide up to $125,000 over a three-year period toward the salary and benefits of a new full-time sworn police officer assigned to the schools.

 

The proposed School Resource Officer would be employed by the City and assigned to work collaboratively with the School District under a formal Memorandum of Understanding that clearly defines the responsibilities of each agency. Consistent with the objectives of the COPS Hiring Program, the officer's primary role will focus on community policing, school safety, violence prevention, emergency preparedness, mentoring students, and building positive relationships between law enforcement, students, staff, and families. The officer will not serve as a school disciplinarian, but rather as a resource dedicated to enhancing safety and strengthening community partnerships.

 

The grant application is being developed with assistance from the City's grant consultant, Blais & Associates, and in coordination with the Police Department and School District. If the grant is awarded, staff will return to the City Council with any necessary agreements, budget amendments, or other actions required to implement the program. This report is provided for informational purposes only, and no action is requested at this time.

 
 


IV.   ALTERNATIVES:

None at this time. 

V.    FISCAL IMPACT:

The COPS Hiring Program provides up to $125,000 in federal funding over a three-year period toward the salary and benefits of one School Resource Officer.

 

If the grant is awarded, the City intends to enter into an agreement with the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District under which the School District would reimburse the City for all remaining costs associated with the School Resource Officer position that are not covered by the grant. As a result, the City's goal is to implement the program at no net cost to the City while providing enhanced public safety services to local schools.

 

The cost to prepare the grant application is approximately $11,000, which can be absorbed within the FY 2026-2027 adopted grant writing budget.

 

Should the grant be awarded, the proposed agreement with the School District and any necessary budget adjustments will be brought before the City Council for approval prior to implementation.

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