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A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $177,800, from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) monies for law enforcement equipment, the purchase of electric vehicles 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 six additional electric vehicles for use by its Neighborhood Safety Aides as part of an expansion of the Neighborhood Team Policing Unit. These vehicles will serve as the Neighborhood Safety Aides’ primary means of transportation while on duty, and will be used to conduct vehicle patrols with the City of Coral Gables neighborhoods to expand the Police Department’s presence and significantly increase contact with residents. The selected Polaris GEM electric vehicles are eco-friendly and will be outfitted with the appropriate security, storage and weather features.
The F.A.F. Committee met on April 26, 2017 and approved this expenditure.