Title
Federal LECFTF Funding to Purchase 40 Tasers and Equipment for the Gainesville Police Department (B)
This item requests that the City Commission appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed $47,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Fund for the purchase of 40 Taser International X 26E Advanced Tasers and associated holsters, cartridges, replacement batteries and digital audio/video cameras for the Gainesville Police Department.
Explanation
The X 26E Advanced Tasers provide a safer, more effective tool for law enforcement officers facing situations that pose threats to their safety and the safety of others. The Tasers are reliable devices that utilize innovative technology to stop resistive suspects and provide effective alternatives to other types of force. The Gainesville Police Department already has some tasers in patrol and has assessed this to be an effective tool for law enforcement.
As of 2006, Florida State Statute (FSS) 943.1717 mandates what use of force level a Taser must be placed and also mandates the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Committee create specific training topics, hours and recertification requirements. The Gainesville Police Department will follow or exceed both the Florida State Statute and CJSTC requirements in both policy and training.
Fiscal Note
Funding is available for the Federal LECTFT for $47,000. The balance of the account is $1,887,015.00
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the appropriation of an amount not to exceed $47,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for the purchase of 40 tasers and associated equipment from DGG Taser Inc.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission authorize partial funding not to exceed $20,000.00
Alternative Recommendation B: The City Commission deny funding.