HomeMy WebLinkAboutPalm Desert Police - Shop With a CopCITY OF PALM DESERT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT AND PARTIALLY FUND THE 2012
"SHOP WITH A COP" PROGRAM IN AN AMOUNT -NOT TO
EXCEED $2,415.
SUBMITTED BY: Stephen Y. Aryan, Risk Manager
DATE: November 15, 2012
Recommendation
By Minute Motion, approve implementation and partially funding, in an amount
not to exceed $2,415, the 2012 "Shop With A Cop" program. Funds are available
under the Police Department Contingency Account (No. 110-4210-422-3042).
Commission Recommendation
The Palm Desert Public Safety Commission is scheduled to review this item on
November 14, 2012, after this report was prepared. Staff can provide an oral update on
the Commission's recommendation upon request.
Backaround
The "Shop With A Cop" program initiated 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 to distribute as they saw fit. Palm Desert Station administrative staff
recommended using these funds to organize a shopping trip for disadvantaged children
in the community, through a "Shop with a Cop" program.
For the last three years, the Palm Desert Sheriffs Station has organized this annual
shopping event. Officers from all three Cove Communities participated in the program
and all three cities funded the event.
The children participating in the program are identified as being disadvantaged by
school staff and/or officers working in those cities. The siblings of the invited students
have also been invited to participate. All children are accompanied by officers who
assist them during their shopping spree.
The initial two events were held at Toys "R" Us in Palm Desert. As this business
relocated to Indio, this event is now held at the Palm Desert Super Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart
has also agreed to donate $2,000 towards this year's program. No date has been set for
this year's program; however, it typically occurs on a Saturday in early December.
Staff Report-2012 "Shop With A Cop" Program
November 15, 2012
Page 2 of 2
In previous years, at the conclusion of the shopping spree, any remaining funds have
been used to purchase children's bicycles. These bicycles were then distributed to very
surprised children found in affordable housing communities by officers in uniform. Staff
recommends that the City Council approve implementing and funding this program
again this year
Fiscal Analysis
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department recommends that the three Cove
Communities cities fund the 2012 "Shop With A Cop" program in the amount of $3,500
utilizing the "Cove Formula" based on population of each city indicated below.
CITY
1 /1 /12
2012
COST
POPULATION
COVE FORMULA
Indian Wells
5,035
7%
$245
Rancho Mirage
17,504
24%
$840
Palm Desert
49,471
69%
$2,415
Wal-Mart Donation
n/a
n/a
$2,000
TOTAL
72,010
100
$5,500
Funds are available under the Police Department Contingency Account (No. 110-4210-
422-3042).
Submitted By:
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance
Approval:
Wohlmuth, City Manager
CITY COUNCIL ACTION
APPROVED ' DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER,
AYES: .42eJ2 5011,Hal-PI TLMLIM ,��el
NOES: LOnP
ABSENT: A] on e-
ABSTAIN:
VERIFIED BY:
Original on File with City Clerk's ffice