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A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $32,000 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) monies for law enforcement equipment; the retrofit of the Sky Watch 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 to retrofit its Sky Watch observation platform. This elevated platform serves as a crime deterrent and surveillance unit. It is used for all special events held in the City of Coral Gables throughout the year. As a SWAT Team asset, it is used for officer safety and security for the public. This platform was purchased in 2006 using State F.A.F. funds and its equipment has not been replaced or updated since its original purchase. Technology has progressed since the initial purchase and in conjunction with normal wear and tear, the equipment is in need of retrofitting so that it can function at its highest efficiency.
The F.A.F. Committee met on June 26, 2019 and approved this expenditure.