Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of an application for a $700,000 grant from the US Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to combat human trafficking thr

4.K
CITY OF BUCKEYE
Regular Council Meeting
COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
MEETING DATE: 04/07/26
AGENDA ITEM: 4.K. FIN - Office for
Victims of Crime Fiscal Year 2025
Enhanced Collaborative Model Task
Force to Combat Human Trafficking
$700,000 Grant Application
DATE PREPARED: 04/08/26
DISTRICT NO.: All
STAFF LIAISON: Rob Roach, Grant Program and Procurement Manager,
rroach@buckeyeaz.gov, (623) 349-6165
DEPARTMENT: Financial Services
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent Agenda
Items / New Business
ACTION/MOTION: (This language identifies the formal motion to be made by the Council) 
Council to take action to ratify and approve the submission of an application for a $700,000 grant from
the US Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) to combat human trafficking through
the formation of an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (AHTTF) consisting of two sworn Detectives and
a civilian Intelligence Analyst; and to authorize and direct the Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and
City Clerk to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose and intent of said grant application.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOCUS AREAS: 
A Safe and Sustainable Quality of Life
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
BPD seeks to combat human trafficking through the formation of an AHTTF, composed of two
sworn Detectives and one civilian Intelligence Analyst. The AHTTF will cover Buckeye’s 640
square mile jurisdiction, in which US Interstate 10 and Arizona State Route 85 serve as major
transportation/trafficking corridors through BPD’s jurisdiction.
In August of 2023, BPD formed an anti-human trafficking coalition with the Cities of Avondale
and Goodyear, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Family Advocacy
Center. The coalition’s goal is to combat human trafficking within this part of the metro
Phoenix area. The coalition investigates, rescues, prosecutes, collects data, coordinates
programs, and directs service for identified victims. The coalition conducts regular anti-human
trafficking operations within the three city jurisdictions. Since its inception, the coalition has
conducted over seven operations throughout the western part of metro Phoenix.
Prior operations have resulted in 80 prostitution related arrests, 6 child sex trafficking arrests,
and 63 outreach contacts. While this coalition has experienced significant victories, the fight
against human trafficking requires additional human resources. If awarded, the new AHTTF
will work closely with the aforementioned partner organizations, including the victim service
provider, Southwest Family Advocacy Center.

The grant references fiscal year 2025 because the funds were allocated during the federal
fiscal year of 2025.
BENEFITS:
BPD anticipates that the new AHTTF will result in an increase in victims identified and served,
and an increase in investigations and prosecutions of perpetrators. The AHTTF will also
improve current procedures to address labor and sex trafficking, while protecting and serving
all American citizens, including children.
FUTURE ACTION:
The total grant request is $700,000, which will be expended over a 36-month period by
6/30/29. Thereafter, BPD will have the option to budget these ongoing personnel costs in the
Police General Fund operating budget to sustain BPD’s anti-human trafficking efforts. BPD will
also have the option to reduce or eliminate the positions once the grant funding has been fully
expended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:
The total cost to employ the personnel is $1,345,269.01 over a 36-month period. The
requested grant amount is $700,000 and the required City of Buckeye match is $645,269.01. If
awarded, once all grant funding has been expended, BPD will have the option to retain,
reduce, or eliminate the grant-funded positions. If BPD chooses to retain the personnel, BPD
will need to budget these ongoing personnel costs in the Police General Fund operating
budget in future years.
CURRENT FISCAL YEAR TOTAL COST:
There is no current Fiscal Year cost. If awarded, expenditures are anticipated to occur in FY2027
through FY2030.
BUDGETED:
Yes
FISCAL YEAR:
2027
FUND/DEPARTMENT:
35732121/Police
Items related to a project or facility location must include an attached vicinity map for Council
Review.
ATTACHMENTS:
Abstract Narrative.docx
Budget.xlsx
Proposal Narrative.docx
CAR Recap Summary - AHTTF.docx