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A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $650,000 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) moneys, for law enforcement equipment; the transition of TASER equipment utilized by the Coral Gables Police Department over a five-year period.
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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 to transition its fleet of issued TASER equipment to the newer generation TASER 7. The current TASER equipment in place is at least two generations behind the TASER 7. This updated generation offers improved capabilities such as a two-bay cartridge system, an Adaptive Cross connect and louder warnings, which allow for greater Officer and public safety. As a result of the benefits of the TASER 7 and the anticipation that existing models will no longer be supported in the near future, the Department has developed a plan to transition all equipment to the TASER 7 generation over a five-year period.
The F.A.F. Committee met on November 16, 2018 and approved this expenditure.