HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 Shop With a CopREQUEST:
SUBMITTED BY:
DATE:
Recommendation
CITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST TO IMPLEMENT AND FUND THE 2015 "SHOP WITH
A COP" PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,415.
Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager, City of Palm Desert
October 22, 2015
By Minute Motion, approve participation in the 2015 "Shop with a Cop"
program, in an amount not to exceed $2,415, with costs allocated per the
Cove Commission Funding Formula.
Commission Action
The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission approved this matter at their October 14,
2015, meeting. The Cove Communities Services Commission is scheduled to review
this item at the time this report was prepared, so no action can currently be reported.
Background
The "Shop with a Cop" program began in 2009 when the Palm Desert Sheriff's Station
was contacted by Toys "R" Us executives who wanted to donate $1,000 in gift cards.
Palm Desert Sheriff Station staff recommended using these cards to organize a
shopping trip for disadvantaged children in the community, through a "Shop with a Cop"
program.
For the last six years, Palm Desert Sheriff's Station personnel have organized this
annual charitable event. The Cities of Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells
not only provided officers to participate in this program, but also assisted with funding it.
Selected children are identified as being disadvantaged by school staff and/or officers
working in the three cities. The siblings of those invited are also asked to participate.
All children are accompanied by officers who assist them during their shopping spree.
The program was initially held at Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert during the first two years.
As the business relocated to Indio, this event is now held at the Palm Desert Wal-Mart
Superstore. Wal-Mart has agreed to donate $2,500 towards the 2015 program. This
event is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2015.
Staff Report: 2015 "Shop with a Cop" Program
October 22, 2015
Page 2 of 2
In previous years, at the conclusion of the shopping spree, any remaining funds were
used to purchase bicycles. These bicycles were then distributed to children within
affordable housing communities by uniformed officers. Staff respectfully recommends
that the City Council approve implementing and funding the 2015 "Shop with a Cop"
program.
Fiscal Analysis
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department recommends that the Cove Communities
fund the 2015 "Shop with a Cop" program, in the amount of $3,500, utilizing the Cove
Commission Funding Formula illustrated below. As previously noted, Wal-Mart has also
donated $2,500 towards this program. This amount can be taken from the Police
Contingency Account.
CITY
POPULATION*
PERCENTAGE
COST
Indian Wells
5,194
7%
$245
Palm Desert
51,053
69%
$2,415
Rancho Mirage
17,889
24%
$840
TOTAL 74,136 100% $3,500
*From California Department of Finance (DOF) estimates as of 11112015
Submitted By:
Steph n Y. Aryan, er
Reviewed By:
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Approval: