When assets are seized as a result of criminal activities, they can be forfeited through legal proceedings and subsequently shared with cooperating law enforcement agencies to supplement and enhance agency resources.

The Police Department wishes to use these funds for law enforcement-related expenses that conform to the guidelines set out in the Guide to Equitable Sharing for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies, which includes items such as law enforcement training and equipment.

Due to the pandemic, federal asset forfeiture cash disbursements to local agencies were significantly disrupted so the Department took a conservative financial planning approach to preserve the fund.  Following the adoption of the City's Fiscal Year 2023-25 biennial budget, it has been confirmed that the disbursement of Asset Forfeiture funds will return to pre-pandemic levels.  Accordingly, the Department would like to use certain Asset Forfeiture funds for certain items that were not included in the current biennial budget. The requested additional appropriation of $250,000 will be utilized for the Performa-Labs training software (training videos that cover a variety of topics, including de-escalation and use of force) as well as other enhancements to Police field operations.  

Appropriating Asset Forfeiture funds and allocating them to the Police Department FY 2023-24 budget will create no burden on the General Fund.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Appropriate Asset Forfeiture funds in the amount of $250,000 and allocate those funds to the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Police Department budget.

By:  Courtney Cibosky, Fiscal Analyst