REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
August 28, 2014
FROM: JERRY DYER, Chief of Police
Police Department
BY: ROBERT NEVAREZ, Deputy Chief
Administrative Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Request City Council approve the annual participation in the Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement Program for the disposition of funds forfeited in connection with a crime and authorizing the execution of related documents
Body
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that City Council authorize the City Manager and the Chief of Police to enter into the annual Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement for the disposition of funds forfeited in connection with a crime.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement Program provides local law enforcement agencies with funds derived from forfeited assets (cash and property) used in connection with a crime. The Fresno Police Department uses these funds to pay for the Skywatch program, safety equipment, and other items that are directly related to law enforcement. Authorizing the City Manager and the Chief of Police to enter into this agreement assures the City's participation in this program.
BACKGROUND
Asset forfeiture is an effective law enforcement tool the United States uses to deprive criminals of ill-gotten gains by seizing the proceeds of criminal activity and property used to facilitate crime. Seized property is shared with state and local law enforcement agencies which make substantial contributions to underlying criminal investigations. This not only deprives criminals of ill-gotten gains, but returns the proceeds to law enforcement to use to fight crime at the front-line level. The Department uses this funding opportunity to help address operational and equipment needs, such as the Skywatch program, weapons, ballistic vests, and safety equipment. The Federal Equitable Sharing Agreement must be submitted annually, within 60 days of the end of each fiscal year, and City Council's authorization wi...
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