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Commissioner Brown - Police Department - Appropriation of Funds from the Federal (Treasury/Justice) Drug Asset Forfeiture and Equitable Sharing Program for the Purpose of Purchasing Department Equipment ($96,000)
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STAFF CONTACT
J. D. Ramey, Chief of Police - Gaston County Police Department - 704-866-3321
BUDGET IMPACT
budget
No County funds.
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BUDGET ORDINANCE IMPACT
N/A
BACKGROUND
The Comprehensive Control Act of 1984 and the Anti-Drug Act of 1986 provide for distribution among participating law enforcement agencies of assets forfeited in connection with drug related arrests and the above laws prohibit the use of such funds to reduce local funds budgeted for law enforcement programs.
During fiscal years 2015 (Justice) and 2016 (Treasury) the Gaston County Police Department received funds from the Federal Drug Asset Forfeiture and Equitable Sharing Program. Funds to be allocated from the Drug Asset Fund Balance (025-99-9900-0000-490000 - FY2015/$20,000 Justice / FY2016/$76,000 Treasury). The Gaston County Police Department requests funds to be appropriated for purchasing the following equipment:
1. ERT Rifles - The County Police utilizes a team of highly trained officers who make up our Emergency Response Team. The ERT responds to the most dangerous situations. This team requires extra training and equipment. Currently team members are using rifles that are over a decade old and have had thousands of rounds fired through them. The rifles are nearing the end of their service life.
2. McKee Craft Boat Motor - The Department is asking for funds to replace the current boat motor for the McKee Craft (smaller boat). This motor is no longer operational and per Donald Carlson, Gaston County Fleet Administrator, the cost involved in repairing the motor is not cost efficient. The department is requesting funds to purchase a 2021 Yamaha VF250XB motor. This smaller boat is used in shallow waters.
3. Breaching System - The breaching system is a light weight hydraulic spreading system utilized for multiple types of breaching operations. This system has been used time and time again in large school lockdown situations. Most recently this tool was used in the UNC Charlotte active shooter situation.
4. Cellbrite Certified Examiner - The Criminal Investigations Unit utilizes technology on a daily basis as part of the investigative steps to solving crimes. As technology advances, CIU will need to keep pace and be able to examine cell phones. One of the best tolls out there is Cellbrite. Cost includes 3 classes and testing to be classified as a Cellbrite Examiner.
5. Condor Packs -The Condor Venture Pack is designed for carrying the needed equipment for the crisis negotiator into the field. The bag is equipped with a laptop sleeve, multiple compartments for quick access and a bungee retentive stash pocket, the Venture can organize and keep all the needed equipment to be ready and uniform with all negotiators.
POLICY IMPACT
N/A
ATTACHMENTS
Budget Change Request (BCR)