Title
Authorization to Purchase Equipment for the Gainesville Police Department using State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Funds (B)
This is a request for City Commission authorization to purchase tasers, extra training cartridges and four year extended care warranties for the Gainesville Police Department using state forfeiture funds.
Explanation
This item requests that the City Commission appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed $24,000 from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Fund for the purchase of 20 tasers from DGG Taser and Tactical Supply, an authorized distributor for the manufacturer of Taser International X 26E Advanced Tasers, associated holsters, training cartridges and four year extended customer care warranties for the Gainesville Police Department. 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 currently employs tasers in patrol and has assessed this to be an effective tool for law enforcement. As of 2006, Florida State Statute 943.1717, sets forth the criteria for the employment of tasers by agencies and officers. It also mandates that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Committee (CJSTC) create specific training topics, hours and recertification requirements. The Gainesville Police Department complies with both the Florida State Statutes and CJSTC requirements in both policy and training for employment of tasers.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $24,000 is available from the State Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund. Based on the Comparative Balance Sheet dated August 31, 2013, the available balance of this account is $51,181.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize th...
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