Title
State LECFTF Funding for purchase of two (2) Segway Personal Transporters (B)
This item requests that the City Commission appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed $12,000 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Fund for the purchase of two (2) Segway Personal Transporters for the Gainesville Police Department.
Explanation
The Segway Personal Transporter is a versatile and productivity-enhancing policing solution designed specifically for the needs of police officers who work in a variety of terrains and environments. The Segway maximizes an officer's visibility as well as his or her ability to be seen by others. Raising an officer an additional 9.5 inches off the ground, it places an officer a clear head above the crowd. Segway riders have superior sight lines for traffic management, crowd control and community policing. The Segway makes officers more approachable and allows them to respond quickly to emergency situations in environments which are not user friendly to vehicles. The Gainesville Police Department sees application in the following areas and/or situations; the Gainesville Regional Airport, the Oaks Mall, the downtown area, during special events where vehicle patrol is difficult, and patrolling our parks.
.Fiscal Impact
Funds for this expenditure are available in the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, as allowed under FSS 932.7055(4)(a). Balance of the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund is $17,500.
Recommendation
Recommended Motion: The City Commission authorize the appropriation and expenditure of an amount not to exceed $12,000 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, for the purchase of two (2) Segway Personal Transporters.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission authorizes the purchase of one Segway Personal transporter.
Alternative Recommendation B: The City Commission declines the appropriation and direct staff to seek alternative options.