Title
Consider a memorandum/resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Interlocal Agreement for the Centex Fire and Arson Task Force.
Summary
DATE: August 16, 2022
TO: Kent Cagle, City Manger
FROM: James Chism, Assistant Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Centex Fire and Arson Task Force Interlocal Agreement
BACKGROUND AND FINDINGS:
Fire and Arson investigations are a very specific and science-driven methodology. They require a very intimate knowledge of fire chemistry, fire behavior, and fire dynamics that a typical criminal investigator may not have knowledge or experience with. Knowledge of these disciplines is fundamental in performing comprehensive investigations on the cause and origin of fires, and to determine an accurate fire classification (Accidental, Incendiary, Natural, or Undetermined). Staffing, call volume, and budgetary constraints have affected the ability for the agencies named in the agreement to continue to provide the same level of response and service historically present to conduct these thorough investigations. Area fire investigators in the Central Texas Fire Investigators Association have developed an appropriate response with this agreement. The agreement enables agencies who are already under mutual aid agreements with each other to provide the investigative resources and personnel for each other when requested. It also establishes prosecutorial capabilities across numerous jurisdictions that a mutual aid agreement does not provide. The investigators taking part in this agreement are State of Texas Peace Officers with powers of arrest.
THE ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED:
Enter into an Interlocal Agreement; OR
Do not enter into an Interlocal Agreement.
Which alternative is recommended? Why?
Staff recommends that Council authorize entering into an Interlocal Agreement to provide fire, arson and explosive detection, investigative, and prosecutorial capabilities, personnel, and resources.
CONFORMITY TO CITY POLICY:
The agre...
Click here for full text