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A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $382,380, from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) monies for law enforcement equipment; the purchase of a Lenco BearCat, 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 training and education.
Due to the increasing number of assaults on Police officers across the nation, the Coral Gables Police Department’s Training Section and S.W.A.T. personnel, as well as the Coral Gables Fire Department, collaborated to research the purchase of an armored vehicle. The goal of the research was to select a cost-effective, low maintenance vehicle capable of easily operating in an urban/suburban environment with superior ballistic protection.
In the evaluation of armored vehicles, the Department has identified the Lenco BearCat as the most versatile vehicle with the capability of operating a variety of tactical and rescue roles. The vehicle can be used as a S.W.A.T. vehicle, a rescue vehicle or as a response v...
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