Item Description:
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Agmt A2613483 with the MN Dept of Public Safety for provision of investigation services related to the prevention of auto-theft crimes, 07/01/26-06/30/29, $1,545,000 (recv)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that Agreement A2613483 with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for provision of investigation services related to the prevention of auto-theft crimes during the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, in the receivable amount of $1,545,000 be approved; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of Hennepin County; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that acceptance of this award in no way reflects acceptance of terms or conditions that are legally unenforceable against Hennepin County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a supplemental appropriation of $257,500 be applied to the 2026 Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office budget; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the acceptance of grant funding for this program by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued commitment by Hennepin County for this program once grant funds are no longer available.
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Background:
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MNDPS) established the 2027-2029 Auto Theft Prevention Program Dedicated Investigator Grant as a three-year funding mechanism designed to support the prevention, investigation, and reduction of automobile theft within the State of Minnesota. The program is administered by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and provides grant funds to county attorney offices, law enforcement agencies, neighborhood and community organizations, and business entities that demonstrate a substantive commitment to addressing and mitigating auto theft.
The Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program aims to:
(1) Identify and address critical law enforcement challenges related to automobile theft.
(2) Provide education and training on auto-theft issues to law enforcement personnel and the public.
(3) Enhance the investigation and prosecution of individuals suspected of auto theft.
(4) Promote coordination and cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
(5) Reduce the overall incidence of auto theft, contributing to potential reductions in insurance premiums for Minnesota residents.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Task Force sought grant funding and was awarded for Fiscal Years 2027-2029. The grant provides $515,000 per year to support investigative personnel and operational services, for a total award amount of $1,545,000 over the three-year period.
The Hennepin County Board previously approved Resolution 26-0082, authorizing a Joint Powers Agreement between Hennepin County and the Cities of Edina, Minnetonka, and St. Louis Park, establishing a multijurisdictional framework for investigating auto theft and other vehicle-related crimes with the County. The task force operating under this cooperative agreement also receives funding from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Auto Theft Prevention Program.
Funding authorized under Board Resolution 26-0082 totaled $631,000 for Fiscal Years 2026-2027 and is entirely separate from the grant funds sought under the current Board action. This request seeks approval to accept new grant funding for the 2027-2029 program cycle, which will enhance the County’s ability to address rising auto-theft trends, support dedicated investigative resources, and strengthen cross-agency collaboration in reducing auto-theft-related crimes.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval