Title
Data Sharing Consortium Partnership (B)
Explanation
The Gainesville Police Department is actively seeking ways to improve the access to much needed criminal investigation and intelligence information. The University of Central Florida provides a method to access and share information on a region-wide basis through a Data Sharing Consortium. The Data Sharing Consortium is a collaborative, non-profit partnership between state university research personnel and participating law enforcement agencies. The overall mission of this effort is to share information and resources to improve public safety performance. The partnership agreement is for a three year commitment at a fee of $7500 annually for law enforcement agencies which have over 250 sworn members. It is anticipated that the police department's first year of membership will be from January 3, 2005 to September 31, 2005. In addition to the annual membership fee, a server and corresponding software will be required at a cost of $10,000.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this $32,500 expenditure are available in the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund and is allowable per Federal 21 U.S.C. ยง, found in the U.S. Department of Justice, "A Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies." The balance in this account is $2,177,347.90. The balance is adjusted to account for pending items.
Recommendation
The City Commission 1) authorize the Gainesville Police Department to enter into the Data Sharing partnership by execution of the partnership agreement, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality, 2) authorize the issuance of a purchase order to the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida for each year of the three year sponsorship, and 3) authorize the appropriation and expenditure of $10,000 for the necessary computer hardware and software expenses.