Title
Gainesville Police Explorer Funding for State Competitions from State LECFTF (NB)
Explanation
For the past thirty six years Gainesville Police Explorer Post 917 has operated a successful program for youth between the ages of 14-20. The Post currently has 25 members. The Post Explorers assists the City of Gainesville and the Gainesville Police Department in numerous special events throughout the year to include, but not limited to, parking and pedestrian assistance at the Downtown Arts Festival, 5th Avenue Arts Festival, the Hoggetowne Medieval Fair, and others. The Post members completed over 4000 community service hours.
In appreciation for the Explorer's service to our City and Department, and as a challenge with other Law Enforcement Explorer Posts, the Department would like to offer Post 917 members an opportunity to attend a Florida State competition. Total cost for the State competition is approximately $4,000. The Post has collected corporate sponsorships and donations this year, as they have in the past, which will pay for part of the travel. This request is for $3,000.00 and will assist covering a part of the cost for the competition.
The Public Safety Committee approved this item at its meeting on March 20, 2008.
Fiscal
Funds, of an amount not to exceed $3,000.00, for this expenditure are available in the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund and is allowable per Federal 21 U.S.C. ยง 881, found in the U.S. Department of Justice "A Guide to Equitable Sharing of the Federally Forfeited Property for the State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies." The balance in the account is $70,000.00. Balance is adjusted to account for pending items.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the appropriation and expenditure of an amount not to exceed $3,000.00 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for travel and other expenses for the Police Explorers, Post 917 to be used for them to attend their State competition in 2008.