REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 28, 2016
FROM: JERRY DYER, Chief
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Administrative Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - 25th amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2015-104 appropriating $155,000 for the Fresno Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program (Requires 5 affirmative votes)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council approve a resolution authorizing the 25th Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2015-104 appropriating $155,000 for the Fresno Police Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Asset Forfeiture Program provides state and local law enforcement agencies with federally shared proceeds derived from forfeited assets (cash and property) used in connection with a crime. The Department has received additional program revenue and requests an increase of appropriations in the amount of $155,000. These funds will be used to pay for the Skywatch program and items directly related to law enforcement. This item seeks to include the monies received as part of the Police Department’s Fiscal Year 2015-2016 budget
BACKGROUND
The Asset Forfeiture Program is an effective law enforcement tool used by the Department of Justice to deprive criminals by seizing the proceeds and property that were used to facilitate crime. These seized assets are shared with state and local law enforcement agencies and must be used to fight crime at the front-line level. They are also required to enhance an agency’s General Fund budget but cannot be used to supplant.
Since federal regulations do not allow agencies to budget anticipated Forfeiture Funds, we appropriate revenue after it has been received. Council approval of this resolution will recognize recent revenue and increase the Department’s Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Forfeiture budget from $100,000 to $255,000. Funds will be used for the Skywatch Program to increase flight hours, and to purchase safety equipment for officers and items directly related to law enforcement.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The purchase of law enforcement equipment is not defined as a project under the California Environmental Quality Act and does not require an environmental finding.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered since this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or service contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Police Department uses Forfeiture Funds for the Skywatch program, officer safety equipment and law enforcement needs that are not included in our Fiscal Year 2015-2016 General Fund budget. Without additional appropriations, these expenses will impact the General Fund.
Attachment:
Resolution