Title
A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $55,000 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) monies for law enforcement equipment; the acquisition of additional BolaWrap equipment for utilization by the Coral Gables Police Department.
Body
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.
In December 2018, the Coral Gables Police Department implemented the BolaWrap 100 model equipment as part of a pilot program to bridge the gap between physical restraint and less-lethal options available to officers. Previously funding has been exhausted and the funds have greatly benefitted departmental personnel. As a result, the Department has identified a need to expand the pilot program and acquire additional units and associated equipment.
The F.A.F. Committee met on June 26, 2019 and approved this expenditure.