Title
Crime Rate in Gainesville (NB)
The City Commission hear the continued presentation on the increased crime rate in Gainesville and approve $75,000 funding for the operation of the Violent Crimes Task Force from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund.
Explanation
In response to a significant increase in violent crime, the Gainesville Police Department is forming a Violent Crimes Task Force. The task force will focus on the reduction of rape, robbery, murder and aggravated assault crimes in Gainesville through the use of both uniform and non-uniform directed patrols. The task force will be made up of 12 sworn members of GPD and one civilian crime analyst. The task force began on January 30, 2007 and will last a minimum of ninety days. The $75,000 from this request will be used for overtime and investigative expenses related to the task force.
Fiscal Note
Funding for this project is available in the Federal 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 Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies." Available balance is $956,651.28.
Recommendation
The City Commission hear the staff presentation and approve the appropriation of $75,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for the creation and funding of the Gainesville Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission decline to appropriate the funds for the creation and funding of the Gainesville Police Department Violent Crimes Task Force.
Alternative Recommendation B: None.