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A Resolution authorizing an expenditure in the amount of $20,000 from Federal Forfeited Asset Fund (F.A.F.) moneys for community-based programs; the funds are to be expended to support the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year operations of the Bigs in Blue Program, conducted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.
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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 to support community-based programs whose missions are supportive of and consistent with a law enforcement effort, policy and/or initiative.
In 2016, Big Brothers Big Sisters of American organization launched the Bigs in Blue national program. The program connects youth with police in order to build strong, trusting and lasting relationships that can help children develop into confident adults and helps create stronger bonds between law enforcement and the families they serve. The activities associated with the Bigs in Blue Program, which are conducted by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami organization, qualify as a permissible expenditure.
City leadership have reviewed, vetted, an...
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