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A Resolution authorizing expenditures in the amount of $11,718 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) monies, for the acquisition of law enforcement equipment; the purchase of bicycles for utilization by the Coral Gables Police Department.
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The Coral Gables Police Department participates with federal law enforcement agencies of the United States Departments of Justice, Treasury and/or Homeland Security in joint law enforcement investigations. The Coral Gables Police Department’s participation in those joint federal - local investigations produces federally seized funds. At the discretion of the United States Attorney General under United States Statute: 18 U.S.C. Section 981 (e)(2), and 21 U.S.C. Section 881 (e)(1)(A) and (e)(3)(b), the Coral Gables Police Department may lawfully receive equitable shares of the federally seized funds at the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
The “Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies” by the United States Department of Justice provides that the equitably shared forfeited asset funds resulting from the participation of a local agency in investigations with Federal law enforcement agencies may be utilized by the participating local agency for law enforcement equipment.
The Coral Gables Police Department has identified a need for seven bicycles for use by its Neighborhood Team Policing Unit as part of the Neighborhood Team Policing concept. These bicycles will serve as a secondary method of transportation and patrolling for officers assigned to this unit while on duty, and will provide high visibility of these officers to residents and citizens within the City of Coral Gables. The selected Scott Scale 960 Mountain bicycle is currently used by the Bike Patrol Unit within the Specialized Enforcement Division and has proven to be comfortable to ride for extended periods of time, reliable and easy to maintain. These bicycles will be outfitted with the appropriate security and storage features.
The F.A.F. Committee met on September 9, 2015 and approved this expenditure.