Title
Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund Funding for Night Vision Goggles (NB)
Explanation
On July 8, 1996, the City Commission approved the Inter-Agency Agreement for a Joint Aviation Unit between the Alachua County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) and the City of Gainesville's Police Department. The Gainesville Police Department Aviation Unit operates one OH-6 helicopter and staffs one full-time aircrew (pilot and tactical flight officer). This request is to purchase two (2) sets of Night Vision Goggles (NVG's) for use while conducting night flights. NVG's are safety equipment that allow the flight crew to safely land the helicopter at night in case of an emergency. The use of NVG's has prevented helicopter crashes in several jurisdictions that have used them during actual emergencies. NVG's also provide a visual enhancement during nighttime hours and can assist police officers on the ground in locating criminal suspects and missing persons. The cost for two (2) pair of NVG's and the necessary mounting hardware is not expected to exceed $21,000.
Fiscal Note
Funds for this expenditure are 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." The balance in this account is $1,860,695. The balance is adjusted to account for pending items.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the appropriation and expenditure of an amount not to exceed $21,000 from the Federal Law Enforcement Contraband Forfeiture Trust Fund for the purchase of Night Vision Goggles for the Joint Aviation Unit.