City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DEPARTMENT
OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO FUND THE ATTENDANCE
OF TWO (2) MEMBERS OF SERVICE AT THE
FBI LEEDA MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS TRAINING
Whereas, by correspondence dated September 1, 2026, the Acting Commissioner / Chief of the Department of Public Safety of the City of Mount Vernon has requested authorization to fund the attendance of two (2) Members of Service at the FBI LEEDA Media & Public Relations Training, which is scheduled to take place from October 26, 2026, through October 30, 2026, at the Westchester County Police Academy, located at 2 Dana Road, Valhalla, New York; and
Whereas, the training program is designed to provide law enforcement personnel with practical skills necessary to communicate with the media and the communities they serve effectively; and
Whereas, the training will address public perception, media relations, interview techniques, crisis communications, social media, and the development of clear, consistent, and professional messaging; and
Whereas, participants will engage in hands-on and on-camera exercises intended to strengthen communication skills, enhance public trust, and promote a professional and positive image of the Department of Public Safety; and
Whereas, the cost of attendance for the two (2) Members of Service is One Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Dollars ($1,590.00), for Seven Hundred Ninety-Five Dollars ($795.00) per attendee; and
Whereas, the Department of Public Safety has requested the use of a City vehicle for transportation to and from the training and reimbursement for gasoline expenses associated therewith, in an amount not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Dollars ($250.00); and
Whereas, the costs associated with the training, including the registration fees and authorized gasoline expenses, shall be charged to budget line A3120.451 – Training, subject to the availability of appropriated funds; and
Whereas, the Board of Estimate and Contract has reviewed the request and recommends app...
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