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Report regarding a resolution authorizing the use of $139,584.80 of Police Asset Forfeiture Funds for the purchase of public safety ballistic shields and protective body armor for all sworn personnel. (Scott Campbell, Chief of Police)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the use of $139,584.80 of Police Asset Forfeiture Funds for the purchase of public safety ballistic shields and protective body armor for all sworn personnel.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
As tragic and violent critical incidents continue to occur throughout our nation, it’s imperative that we provide the needed safety equipment for our police officers to adequately serve the communities they have sworn to protect. At one time, public safety ballistic shields and protective body armor were reserved for specialty teams. But now, we recognize the need to make this safety equipment readily available for patrol officers, supervisors, school liaison officers and detectives.
These are vital pieces of protective equipment in any number of situations that law enforcement personnel might encounter. In the event this public safety equipment is needed, it will be easily accessible and quickly deployed. This will undoubtedly make our communities and officers safer.
Authorizing the Police Department to utilize the Police Asset Forfeiture Funds for this purpose will outfit each vehicle in our police fleet, a total of 37, readily available public safety ballistic shields and the issuance of 90 protective body armor to our police officers.
The Police Asset Forfeiture Funds are funds that the Police Department collects as a result of collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on apprehending smuggled drugs and cash. The Police Department works with the Finance Department to segregate those funds, as they can only be used for specific purposes authorized in DEA regulations. In coordination with the Finance Department, the Chief of Police determines the purposes for which the funds are used and must authorize all expenditures from the account.
FISCAL IMPACT
The funding for this purchase comes solely from Police Asset Forfeiture Funds. There is no impact to the General Fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this meets the Strategic Goals #3: Public Safety by rendering skilled police, fire and emergency service management.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt resolution authorizing the use of $139,584.80 of Police Asset Forfeiture Funds for the purchase of public safety ballistic shields and protective body armor for all sworn personnel.