REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
January 15, 2015
FROM: JERRY DYER, Chief
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Administrative Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - 31st amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution (AAR) No. 2014-95 appropriating $263,200 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 31st Amendment to the Annual Appropriation Resolution No. 2014-95 appropriating $263,200 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 $263,200. These funds will be used to pay for the Skywatch program, safety equipment for officers and items directly related to law enforcement.
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 FY 15 Forfeiture budget from $112,100 to $375,300. Funds will be used for the Skywatch Program to increase flight hours, 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
The Fresno Municipal charter code 4-108 local preference applies, except for those contracts funded by the federal or state government when such funding would be jeopardized because of local preference.
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 FY 15 General Fund budget. Without additional appropriations, these expenses will impact the General Fund.
Attachment: Resolution