Title
Wireless Laptop Funding from Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund (B)
Explanation
Since 2001, the City Commission has approved funding from various sources for the Gainesville Police Department's technology programs, including approval for 250 wireless laptops on May 27, 2003. Initially, these laptops were targeted for assignment to patrol officers, detectives and supervisors, as first responding sworn personnel. As training is being completed over the course of the next several months and needs for future users are being identified, the department would like to add a contingent of ten (10) additional laptops. This contingent would allow for the department to assign laptops in different areas of the department, as the needs continue to be identified.
Fiscal Note
Funding for this approximate $62,000.00 expenditure is available in the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund, as allowable under Federal 21 U.S.C. ยง881, found in the U.S. Department of Justice, "A Guide to Equitable Sharing of Federally Forfeited Property for State and Local Law Enforcement Agencies". Technological enhancements are one of the areas which are most appropriate under this Act. The balance in the account is $2,413,523.18. Balance is adjusted to account for pending items.
Recommendation
The City Commission authorize the Gainesville Police Department to appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed $62,000.00 to various vendors and to Insight, Tallahassee, Florida ($40,940), as a State Contract vendor, from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for the purchase of wireless laptops and accompanying equipment and services.