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Resolution authorizing expenditures in the amount of $45,000.00 from federally forfeited assets funds for the Coral Gables Police Department partnership program with Coral Gables Citizen's Crime Watch, Inc.
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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. As a result of the Coral Gables Police Departments' participation in those joint federal - local investigations, shares of federally forfeited assets are received. 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 assets at the conclusion of the legal proceedings.
The U.S. Department of Justice publication titled "Guide to Equitable Sharing for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies" specifically provides that these equitably shared forfeited asset funds may be utilized by the participating local agency to support nonprofit community-based programs or activities that are approved by the chief law enforcement officer and that are consistent with a law enforcement effort, policy or initiative.
The primary community-based crime prevention and safe neighborhood program of the Coral Gables Police Department is its partnership with Coral Gables Citizen's Crime Watch, Inc.
The Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) Committee met on August 16, 2010, and approved this expenditure.
The allocated funds would provide the funding needed for the Coral Gables Citizen's Crime Watch, Inc. partnership program for FY 2011.