Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant proposal to the Governor’s Office to seek funding for the Criminal Justice Grant Program to offset costs associated with funding and increasing the capabilities of the department’s digital forensics unit (Chief of Police)
Background:
The Office of the Governor is currently soliciting grant applications from law enforcement agencies for projects that enhance public safety, reduce crime, and improve the effectiveness of the criminal justice system. In 2025, the League City Police Department received $135,368.55 to establish and equip a Digital Evidence Lab, enabling the department to collect, analyze, and store digital evidence more efficiently in support of criminal investigations.
The department seeks to build upon this initial investment as digital evidence is now present in the vast majority of criminal investigations and continues to increase in both volume and complexity. Proper handling of digital evidence requires specialized training, modern hardware and software, and secure storage systems to ensure evidentiary integrity and compliance with legal standards.
Since the Digital Forensics Unit was established in January 2025, it has processed 93 cases involving primarily felony-level offenses, including child exploitation, homicide, burglary, fraud, and narcotics investigations. During this time, 278 digital devices were examined, resulting in the secure storage of more than 37,600 gigabytes of digital evidence. The unit has also provided investigative support to eight neighboring law enforcement agencies, strengthening regional partnerships and public safety efforts.
To maintain operational effectiveness and meet increasing demand, the department must expand its digital evidence storage capacity, as the volume of digital evidence requiring retention continues to grow exponentially. Expanding storage ensures that all digital files-including those from body-worn cameras, in-car systems, mobile devices, and other sources-can be securely maintained and accessed when needed for investigations or court proceedings.
Additionally, each forensic workstation functions as a fully equipped computer processor with specialized software necessary to examine digital files and extract evidentiary information. Having multiple workstations allows the detective to simultaneously access, analyze, and store evidence from multiple devices and cases, significantly improving efficiency and reducing investigative turnaround times.
Finally, maintaining the most up-to-date software is crucial for the detection and recovery of digital evidence. Modern investigative software ensures compatibility with the latest devices, operating systems, and file formats, while also providing advanced tools for locating hidden, encrypted, or deleted information. Together, expanded storage, additional workstations, and updated software enable the department to handle increasing caseloads while preserving the integrity, accessibility, and timeliness of digital evidence.
The League City Police Department respectfully requests City Council approval to submit a grant application in the estimated amount of $147,087. If awarded, grant funds would be used for approximately:
• $68,087 in hardware,
• $71,000 in forensic software and limited training, and
• $8,000 in specialized training.
Approval of this request will allow the department to pursue external funding to enhance investigative capabilities while minimizing the financial impact on the City.
This funding opportunity is a state grant requiring a zero-dollar City match. However, grant requirements mandate that the City initially fund the approved purchases and subsequently seek reimbursement from the State.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Grant Announcement
3. Grant Pre-Approval Form
CONTRACT ORIGINATION:
FUNDING
{X} If approved & awarded, both the grant revenue and expenses will be included in the FY2027 budget.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE