TITLE
Consider a memorandum/resolution for projected expenditure from the state seizure account for the Killeen Police Department.
SUMMARY
DATE: April 18, 2017
TO: Ronald L. Olson, City Manager
FROM: Margaret Young, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Purchase using State Seizure funds
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
State Law, under Chapter 59 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, authorizes the state to share forfeited property and cash seized during criminal investigations with the participating law enforcement agency. Shared funds are kept in separate accounts that are monitored, regulated, and controlled by the Chief Law Enforcement Officer. Shared funds allow local law enforcement to fund programs that expand crime fighting resources and enhance the enforcement abilities of the department above what is routinely accessible though the normal budget process. The governing body is required to be notified of budgeted expenditures from these accounts, and the municipality may not use expenditures to offset or decrease salaries, expenses, or allowances already budgeted as the result of the availability of these funds.
Typically, seizure funds are utilized to acquire equipment that enhances the policing operation of a department, increasing the ability to safely conduct investigations and ensure convictions. Expenditures are normally one-time procurements of equipment or temporary support of new, unbudgeted police operations. We have utilized these funds for programs such as police canines, specialized training, purchase of surveillance equipment, crime scene equipment, and advanced computer technology, and to pay off third-party liens on vehicles acquired through the seizure process.
The Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit is in need of tactical helmets and hearing protection with integrated microphones. Over the past year the team completed an extensive review of entry procedures and techniques. That review resulted in changes in the techniques use...
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