Title
A Resolution of the City Commission authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $160,000 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) moneys for law enforcement operations and equipment; additional funds for the Piloted Drone Program by the Coral Gables Police Department.
Explanation
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 produce 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 operations and equipment.
The Coral Gables Police Department has identified a need for additional funding allocated to the Piloted Drone Program that will continue the use of drones to assist the agency in locating missing persons, identifying suspects, responding to in-progress crimes, and enhance security capabilities at special events. In addition, this equipment can be used to assess scenes of major car accidents, fires, or other natural disasters before first responders arrive.
City leadership has reviewed, vetted, and approved the Coral Gables Chief of Police’s request to encumber and expend as needed the available forfeited asset funds via memorandum dated June 7, 2024.
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