Title
Gainesville Police Explorer Funding for State and National Competitions from Federal LECFTF (NB)
Explanation
Gainesville Police Explorer Post 917 has had a successful program for youth between the ages of 14-18 for the past twenty-five years. The Post currently has 28 members and a waiting list. The Post assists the department in numerous special events throughout the year, including parking assistance at the Downtown Arts Festivals, 5th Avenue Arts Festival, Hogtowne Medieval Fair and most recently with the Cone Park Dedication in East Gainesville. They average 300 hours of volunteer service per month.
In appreciation for the Explorer's service to our city and department, and as a challenge with other law enforcement explorer posts, the department would like to offer the Post an opportunity to attend State and National competitions. The Post has collected corporate sponsorship donations this year, as they have in past years. Total costs for the State competition in St. Petersburg, Florida and National competition in Atlanta, Georgia are approximately $6800. This request for $1500 will cover the remaining needed costs for these worthy events.
Fiscal
Funds for this expenditure are available in the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund and is allowable per 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." The balance in the account is $2,392,638.42. Balance is adjusted to account for pending items.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the appropriation and expenditure of an amount not to exceed $1,500 from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for travel expenses for Police Explorer Post 917.