Title
Consider and take action on a resolution authorizing the Police Department to submit a grant application to the State of Texas Office of the Governor’s FY2027 Operation Lone Star, allowing the police department to support coordinated criminal investigations, enhanced surveillance capabilities, and improved information sharing that strengthen the League City Police Department’s contribution to interagency border security operations and help deter and interdict criminal activity (Chief of Police)
Background:
Approval of this item will authorize the Police Department to submit a grant application to the State of Texas Office of the Governor’s FY2027 Operation Lone Star. The grant will be used to assist in providing enhanced interagency border security efforts that support Operation Lone Star, including the facilitation of directed actions to deter and interdict criminal activity, strengthen investigative capabilities, and improve information sharing with partner agencies. This aligns with the program’s objective to increase the effectiveness and impact of coordinated operations that reduce border-related criminal activity and enhance public safety across jurisdictions.
Conducting criminal investigations and intelligence-driven enforcement activities at the local level directly supports the broader goals of Operation Lone Star by addressing the downstream impacts of border-related crime within Texas communities, namely League City. Transnational criminal organizations, gang activity, and organized groups engaged in fraud, trafficking, and coordinated illegal activity do not stop at the border; they operate within local jurisdictions, exploiting infrastructure, financial systems, and transportation corridors. By identifying, investigating, and disrupting these activities locally, the Police Department contributes actionable intelligence and enforcement outcomes that strengthen statewide deterrence efforts, support partner agencies, and reduces the operational footprint of organized criminal networks of illegal immigrants. This coordinated approach ensures that local law enforcement plays a proactive role in protecting public safety while reinforcing Texas’ broader border security and law enforcement priorities. Grant funds may be used to purchase physical equipment that enhances criminal investigations, surveillance, and information sharing in support of Operation Lone Star objectives. Examples of eligible equipment include pole-mounted camera systems, vehicle-based GPS tracking devices, and other surveillance or monitoring tools that support the detection, deterrence, and interdiction of criminal activity. All equipment purchases will support coordinated, multi-agency law enforcement efforts.
By applying for these grant funds, the Police Department aims to expand its capacity in criminal investigations, surveillance technology, and intelligence and information sharing, which are essential tools in supporting multi-agency efforts under the Operation Lone Star framework. Utilizing grant funds to purchase surveillance equipment and fund additional officer overtime will enhance analytical capabilities, deploy targeted surveillance measures, and improve data sharing and coordination with state and federal partners to more effectively address transnational criminal activity that impacts Texas communities. Leveraging these resources will strengthen local operational readiness, enhance cooperative enforcement efforts, and contribute to broader deterrence and interdiction missions that are central to the grant’s purpose.
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. Copy of grant opportunity
3. Grant application pre-approval form
FUNDING
{x} If approved, anticipated expenses will be included in the FY2027 budget in the Police Criminal Investigation accounts, along with grant reimbursements projected as revenue in FY2027.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
{x} NOT APPLICABLE